These are voices of strength. Every story shared helps break the silence and show other survivors that recovery is possible.
After seven years of abuse, Adaeze finally made the call. She had rehearsed it hundreds of times in her head — what if they judged her, what if they told her to go back? Instead, she was met with compassion, no questions about why she stayed, just a steady voice saying "You are safe now."
Today, Adaeze runs a small catering business and volunteers as a DSVSF peer counsellor, supporting women who are exactly where she once was.
Halima was told she'd never get custody. DSVSF's lawyers took her case pro bono and spent eight months fighting in court. She now lives with her three children in her own apartment.
Chisom arrived at the shelter with nothing. The vocational training programme taught her tailoring. Six months later she received a micro-grant. Today her shop employs three other survivors.
Ngozi fled with her two children at midnight. The DSVSF emergency line answered immediately. By morning her children were in school clothes, eating breakfast in a safe house.
It took Bisi twelve sessions to fully understand that the abuse was not her fault. Her counsellor's patience and expertise changed the way she sees herself — and her future.
Fatima called the helpline at 2am with nowhere to go. A year later she has a restraining order, her own apartment, a new job, and is pursuing a nursing degree part-time.