📍 Serving survivors across Nigeria | info@dsvsf.org.ng 🆘 Helpline: 0800-000-0000
Our Story

About DSVSF

Founded by survivors, led by survivors — we exist to ensure no one faces violence and its aftermath alone.

Who We Are

A Movement Born from Courage

DSVSF was founded in 2012 by a group of survivors and advocates who recognised the critical gap in support for victims of domestic and sexual violence across Nigeria.

What began as a small support group in Port Harcourt has grown into a national organisation with programmes in 18 states, having directly supported over 5,000 survivors and their families.

We believe in a holistic approach — addressing not just the immediate crisis, but the physical, emotional, legal, and economic needs that allow survivors to truly rebuild their lives.

Team meeting
Mission & Vision
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Our Mission

To provide comprehensive, compassionate, and survivor-centred support services that empower individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence to heal, rebuild, and thrive — while working to prevent violence through education and advocacy.

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Our Vision

A Nigeria — and ultimately an Africa — where every individual lives free from domestic and sexual violence; where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered; and where communities stand united against all forms of gender-based violence.

Our Core Values

What Guides Everything We Do

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Survivor-Centred

Every decision we make begins and ends with the needs, safety, and dignity of survivors.

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Trust & Confidentiality

We build safe spaces. Every interaction is held in the strictest confidence.

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Empowerment

We walk alongside survivors — never doing for them what they can do for themselves.

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Inclusivity

We serve all survivors regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status.

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Advocacy

We speak truth to power and work to change the laws, policies, and norms that enable violence.

Leadership

Meet Our Team

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Dr. [Name Placeholder]

Executive Director

A survivor-turned-advocate with 20 years in gender-based violence response and policy reform.

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[Name Placeholder]

Head of Legal Services

Human rights attorney specialising in GBV litigation and survivor legal representation.

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[Name Placeholder]

Clinical Psychologist

Trauma specialist certified in EMDR and evidence-based GBV counselling approaches.

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[Name Placeholder]

Director of Programmes

10+ years designing and managing survivor support programmes across West Africa.

Our Journey

12 Years of Impact


2012

Founded in Port Harcourt

A small support group of 8 survivors and 2 advocates opens the first DSVSF safe house.

2014

National Registration

DSVSF registers as a non-profit organisation with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

2016

Legal Aid Programme Launch

Partnership with pro bono law firms enables free legal services for 200+ survivors in Year 1.

2018

National Helpline Goes Live

24/7 toll-free crisis line launched, receiving over 3,000 calls in the first year.

2021

Economic Empowerment Expansion

Vocational training and micro-grant programme launched; 500+ women graduate in first cohort.

2024

18 States, 5,000+ Survivors

DSVSF now operates in 18 Nigerian states with a team of 85 staff and 200+ volunteers.