Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about recognising abuse, reaching out safely, what happens next, and how DSVSF supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence across Nigeria.

In immediate danger? Call the Lagos State DSVA hotline: 0800 033 3333, or the DSVSF 24/7 Hotline: +234 808 190 7305. You can also reach us on WhatsApp.
Jump to a section:

Recognising Abuse

What counts as domestic violence?

Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse committed by a partner, spouse, or family member. It can involve hitting, threats, intimidation, controlling finances, isolating someone from friends and family, constant monitoring, or forced sexual activity. It does not have to be physical to be serious.

What are common warning signs in someone you know?

Is sexual violence only committed by strangers?

No. Most sexual violence in Nigeria, as elsewhere, is committed by someone known to the survivor — a partner, relative, family friend, or authority figure. Consent must be freely given every time; its absence, regardless of the relationship, makes an act sexual violence.

What is digital coercion, and does it count as abuse?

Yes. Monitoring someone's phone or social media without consent, demanding passwords, threatening to share private images, or using tracking apps to control a partner's movements are all forms of abuse. Read more in our article on recognising digital coercion and harassment.

Reaching Out for Help

How do I reach DSVSF?

You can call or WhatsApp our 24/7 hotline at +234 808 190 7305, use the contact form on our Contact page, or visit our Get Help page for further options.

Is there a cost to get help from DSVSF?

No. Our counselling, referrals, and support services are free of charge.

What happens after I reach out?

A trained team member will listen, assess your immediate safety, and talk through your options — which may include counselling, legal aid referral, safety planning, or emergency shelter referral. You decide what happens next; we do not take action on your behalf without your consent, except where there is an immediate risk to life.

Can I get help if the abuse happened years ago?

Yes. There is no time limit on reaching out for counselling or support, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Do I have to identify myself to get help?

No. You can speak with us without giving your full name, especially in an initial call. We only ask for details necessary to connect you with the right support.

Privacy & Safety

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes. Information you share with DSVSF is treated as strictly confidential and is only accessible to authorised staff and volunteers bound by confidentiality obligations. See our full Privacy Policy for details.

Can my abuser find out I contacted DSVSF?

We take steps to protect your privacy, but no communication is ever 100% risk-free if a device or account is being monitored. If you're concerned someone has access to your phone, browser, or messages, consider calling from a different device, using a public or borrowed phone, or clearing your browser history after visiting this site.

Is it safe to browse this website?

We recommend browsing in a private/incognito window if you're concerned about your history being seen, and closing the tab quickly if you feel unsafe. If someone might check your call log, consider saving our number under a different name.

What to Do in a Crisis

I'm in immediate danger right now — what do I do?

Call the Lagos State DSVA hotline (0800 033 3333) or the Nigeria Police emergency line (112). If you can safely leave, go to a public place or a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member's home. If you need medical attention, go to the nearest hospital.

Should I go to the hospital first or call DSVSF first?

If you are injured or have experienced sexual assault, seek medical attention first — ideally within 72 hours for sexual assault, so evidence can be preserved if you choose to pursue a legal case. The Mirabel Centre (0815 577 0000) provides specialised post-rape care in Lagos. You can contact DSVSF before, during, or after — whichever feels safest.

What is a safety plan?

A safety plan is a personalised, practical plan to reduce risk — for example, identifying a safe place to go, packing an emergency bag, agreeing on a code word with someone you trust, and knowing which documents and items to take if you need to leave quickly. Our team can help you build one.

Is domestic and sexual violence illegal in Nigeria?

Yes. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) criminalises domestic violence, sexual violence, and related offences, and has been adopted in Lagos State and a number of other states. Enforcement and reporting mechanisms vary by state. Read more in our article on what the VAPP Act review means for survivors.

Do I have to report to the police to get help?

No. You can access counselling, safety planning, and support from DSVSF without filing a police report. Reporting is entirely your choice, and we can talk through what it would involve if you're considering it.

Does DSVSF provide lawyers?

DSVSF provides legal aid referrals — connecting survivors with partner lawyers and legal aid organisations who can advise on protection orders, custody, and pursuing a case, often at no cost. Visit our Services page for details.

What if the police don't take my report seriously?

Unfortunately, this happens. DSVSF and our partner organisations can help you understand your options, including escalating to the Lagos State DSVA or seeking support from the Mirabel Centre or a partner legal aid provider.

Shelter & Emergency Housing

Does DSVSF run a shelter?

DSVSF provides emergency shelter referrals, connecting survivors with safe housing options through our network of partner organisations. For your safety, shelter locations are not published publicly.

Can I bring my children with me?

Many of our partner shelters accommodate children. Let us know your situation when you reach out, and we'll help identify options that fit your circumstances.

How long can I stay in emergency shelter?

This depends on the partner facility and your individual circumstances. Our team will talk you through what to expect and help you plan next steps, including longer-term housing if needed.

Supporting Someone Else

Someone I know is being abused. What should I do?

Listen without judgment, believe them, and avoid pressuring them to leave or report immediately — this can increase danger. Let them know DSVSF and other resources exist, and that the decision is theirs. You can also reach out to us for guidance on how to support them safely.

What shouldn't I do?

Avoid confronting the abuser directly, sharing what you've been told without permission, or pushing someone to act before they're ready. These can put the survivor at greater risk.

Volunteering & Getting Involved

How can I volunteer with DSVSF?

Visit our Volunteer page to see current opportunities and apply. We train volunteers before they take on survivor-facing roles.

Do I need a background in social work or law to volunteer?

No. We welcome volunteers from many backgrounds — outreach, communications, administration, and community education, as well as trained counselling and legal support roles.

How can I donate?

You can donate securely through our Donate page. Every contribution supports counselling, legal aid, shelter referrals, and outreach for survivors across Nigeria.

About DSVSF

What does DSVSF do?

The Domestic and Sexual Violence Survivors Foundation is a Nigeria-based nonprofit providing counselling, legal aid referrals, emergency shelter referrals, and safety planning support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, free of charge.

Where is DSVSF based?

Our office is located at 5 Okanu Close, Okeafa, Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria. Our hotline operates 24/7, even outside office hours.

How is DSVSF different from the Lagos State DSVA or the Mirabel Centre?

We work alongside these organisations rather than in place of them. Lagos State DSVA is the state government's domestic and sexual violence agency, and the Mirabel Centre specialises in post-rape medical care. DSVSF provides counselling, legal aid referrals, safety planning, and community outreach, and we refer survivors to these and other partners as needed.