Domestic Violence Resources For Africa

Africa's Silent Epidemic: a Third of All Women Have Experienced Domestic Violence

Amidst the vast expanse of Africa's diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, a silent epidemic thrives, inflicting untold suffering upon its most vulnerable inhabitants. Domestic violence, a scourge that knows no boundaries, casts a dark shadow over the continent, leaving behind a trail of shattered lives and broken dreams.

The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a catalyst for a surge in domestic violence cases across Africa, laying bare the systemic inequalities and vulnerabilities that perpetuate this crisis. According to a study by the United Nations, a staggering 70% of women in Africa have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of their intimate partners, with even higher rates observed among women living in poverty or with disabilities.

Domestic Violence Resources Across World Regions

As lockdown measures were imposed to curb the spread of the virus, reports of domestic violence skyrocketed, amplifying the voices of those who suffer in silence. In Nigeria, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported a chilling 50% increase in domestic violence cases during the lockdown period, underscoring the heightened risks faced by survivors confined to their homes with their abusers.

Similarly, in South Africa, the police have witnessed a 25% surge in domestic violence cases since the onset of the pandemic. The shift to remote work has rendered many women more accessible to their abusers, exacerbating the cycle of violence and control.

Yet, amidst the darkness, signs of hope emerge. The increased visibility of domestic violence during the pandemic has spurred a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of abuse and providing essential support to survivors. In Kenya, the National Gender Violence Recovery Centre (NGVRC) has witnessed a 30% rise in the number of men seeking help for domestic violence, signaling a growing recognition of the diverse forms of abuse that affect both men and women.

Domestic Violence Resources

Moreover, organizations and grassroots initiatives across the continent are working tirelessly to provide critical support services to survivors, offering counseling, shelter, and legal advocacy to those in need. Hotlines staffed by trained professionals offer a lifeline to individuals grappling with the trauma of abuse, providing a safe space to seek guidance and support.

As allies in the fight against domestic violence, it is incumbent upon us to stand in solidarity with survivors, amplify their voices, and advocate for systemic change. By addressing the root causes of abuse, challenging harmful gender norms, and fostering a culture of respect and equality, we can create a future where every individual is free from the shackles of violence and oppression.

In the vast tapestry of Africa's landscapes and cultures, let us weave a narrative of hope and healing, where love triumphs over fear, and every voice is heard and valued. For in unity lies our strength, and in compassion lies our hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Angola	Women	She Will Survive Virtual Knowledge Centre phone: 260 665 9191
Benin	Women	Courants de Femmes phone: 806 254 0376
Botswana	Everyone	Humana People to People phone: (267) 3900516/7659 message on Facebook
Burkina Faso	Women	VOIX de FEMMES phone: 226 38 47 08 She Will Survive phone: 226 31 30 52
Burundi	Everyone	phone: +257 22 23 53 78 message on Facebook
Cabo Verde	Everyone	phone: 941 780 2232 message on Facebook
Cameroon	Women	Pour des Femmes et Filles épanouies (+237) 222 29 13 67 / 6 99 85 07 17 She Will Survive
Central African Republic	Emergency	phone: 610600
Chad	Women	phone: 0235 66 77 50 35 message on Facebook
Comoros	Women	She Will Survive phone: 0269 773 46 63
National Police	117
Democratic Republic of the Congo	Women	AFPDE phone: +243994020783
Abuse Helpline	phone: (267) 220 52 94
Djibouti	Women	Union Nationale des Femmes de Djibouti phone: 35 04 21/35 19 81
Egypt	Children (under 18)	National Council for Childhood and Motherhood 16000
Women	She Will Survive 202 257 87089
Men	Abuse Helpline 202 257 76792
Older Adults (over 60)	Abuse Helpline 202 257 76792
Eritrea	Women	National Union of Eritrean Women phone: 291 1 185636 message on Facebook
Eswatini	Everyone	Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse phone: 95 message on Facebook
Ethiopia	Women	AWSAD phone: (11) 124 2998/123 0777 message on Facebook
Everyone	UNFPA 7711
Guinea	Women	phone: 60 28-11-89
Kenya	Women	Coalition on Violence Against Women phone: 733 594 794 message on Facebook
Liberia	Women & Children (under 18)	phone: 919 527 0517 message on Facebook
Mauritius	Women	SOS Femmes phone: 139
Morocco	Women	ADFM Rabat phone: (212) 2 82 64 00/01 message on Facebook
Namibia	Everyone	LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia phone: 116
Niger		Abuse Helpline phone: 227 74 12 55
Nigeria	Children (under 18)	The Cece Yara Foundation 0800 800 8001
Women	Women at Risk International Foundation 234 809 210 0009
Men	Help for Victims of Matrimonial Abuse Foundation 08061282142
Older Adults (over 60)	Dew Drop Foundation (+234) 908 016 1319
Republic of the Congo	Everyone	National Police phone: 05 548 59 95
Senegal	Women	Comite de Lutte Contre Les Violences Faites Aux Femmes phone: 221 33 941 44 11
Seychelles	Children (under 18)	Child Helpline Seychelles phone: 4322626
Adults	Quality of Life Division Helpline – Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport phone: 2722293
Sierra Leone	Women & Children (under 18)	Graceland Sierra Leone phone: 240 215 message on Facebook
Somalia	Women & Children (under 18)	Save Somali Women And Children – SSWC phone: +252 6184 72202 message on Facebook
South Africa	Children (under 18)	Childline 116
Women	People Opposing Women Abuse 011 642 4345 Frida Hartley Shelter phone: 0800 150 150 message on Facebook
Men	LifeLine 0800-150-150
Older Adults (over 60)	Crime Stop 08600 10111
Sudan	Women	General Union of Sudanese Women phone: 9696 message on Facebook
Tanzania	Women	Kiwohede phone: 0800 780 100 message on Facebook
Tunisia	Women	Union Nationale de la Femme Tunisienne phone: (216) 7189 0011
Zambia	Women & Children (under 18)	YWCA Council Of Zambia: phone: 1 25 52 04 message on Facebook

How can I tell if someone is being abused?

Recognizing and responding to signs of abuse is crucial in providing support to those who may be in danger. Here’s a summary of the steps you can take to help someone you suspect is being abused:

Be observant: Pay attention to subtle signs such as isolation from friends and family, financial control, and reluctance to discuss their relationship.
Listen without judgment: Offer a supportive ear and avoid pressuring the victim to take action. Understand that leaving an abusive situation can be complex and dangerous.
Make an anonymous report: If you witness or suspect ongoing abuse, don’t hesitate to call the authorities. Your intervention could save a life.
Reach out to support services: Refer the victim to organizations equipped to handle cases of abuse. These services can provide guidance and assistance while respecting confidentiality.
Avoid contact with the abuser: Refrain from confronting the perpetrator directly. Leave intervention to trained professionals to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Maintain confidentiality: Respect the privacy of the victim by keeping any disclosures or reports confidential. Avoid sharing details on social media, as it could compromise the victim’s safety.

By following these steps, you can offer vital support to those experiencing abuse while minimizing risks to yourself and the victim. Remember that your actions can make a difference in helping someone escape a dangerous situation.

Violence Prevention and Self Defense Techniques

The Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD) is a non profit 501(C)(3) with a mission to stop violence by educating at-risk people and empower them with the skills needed to protect themselves by providing online and live training.

Through workshops and seminars we educate participants about violence prevention and guide them on assessing risk factors while establishing boundaries in relationships. Additionally practical self defense classes equip people with hands on skills and effective strategies to prevent and intervene in cases of assault. CVPSD reaches individuals and communities through partnerships with schools and other nonprofits, community groups, as well as classes for the public.