By Sophia Chima
Safe houses are confidentially located shelter that provides temporary refuge and comprehensive support services to individuals escaping domestic violence and related forms of abuse. These facilities offer immediate safety and essential resources to help survivors recover and rebuild their lives.
The issue of domestic violence as well as gender-based violence has remained pervasive in Nigeria, affecting countless persons across the nation.
Despite various legislative measures and advocacy efforts, survivors often find themselves with limited options for immediate safety and support. As of March 8, 2022, Nigeria had only a few recognized public and privately run shelters for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). This highlights the critical need for the Nigerian government to invest in establishing and maintaining safe houses for victims of domestic violence and related crimes.
Although non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been at the forefront of providing refuge and assistance to survivors. For instance, the Women Safe House Sustenance Initiative offers shelter, legal aid, healthcare, and comprehensive services to women and girls who are survivors of rape, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage, and sex trafficking.
Since 2016, they have created safe spaces for numerous women and girls to thrive, but this cannot cater to all issues of gender-based violence. Notably, in northern Nigeria, women-led initiatives have established safe havens for survivors of gender-based violence, providing essential support and rehabilitation services.
The Nigerian government has taken steps to address domestic violence through legislation and policy reforms. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), enacted in 2015, criminalizes various forms of violence, including domestic violence, and provides for protection orders and remedies for victims. However, the implementation of the VAPP Act has been inconsistent across states, and challenges remain in enforcement and public awareness.
In response to the alarming surge in gender-based violence, activists and civil society organizations have called for a state of emergency. Reports indicate a significant increase in femicide cases, with 17 incidents recorded in January 2025 alone—a 240% increase from the previous year.
While NGOs play a vital role, their resources are often limited, and their reach may not cover all regions adequately. Government-established safe houses in each state would ensure a standardized, sustainable, and nationwide network of support for survivors. Such facilities would provide immediate shelter, psychological counseling, legal assistance, and vocational training, facilitating holistic rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The benefit of having standardized safe houses in each state in Nigeria is that they offer a secure environment, protecting survivors from further harm and providing a space to recover physically and emotionally.
In addition, beyond shelter, these facilities can provide access to healthcare, legal aid, and counseling services, addressing the multifaceted needs of survivors. These safehouses can also be a means of providing vocational training and educational programs, survivors can gain skills that promote financial independence, reducing the likelihood of returning to abusive environments.
Sophia Chima is a human rights advocate and lecturer at Delta State University, specializing in Human Rights law. She holds an LL.B. from Delta State University, a B.L. from the Nigerian Law School, and is pursuing a master’s degree in the United States. With experience in international human rights advocacy, including serving as a facilitator at the UN Convention on the Status of Women, she is an active member of FIDA USA, the International Bar Association (IBA), and volunteers with various regional and national human rights bodies. Sophia in this article advocates for the establishment of safe houses for victims of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
