The founder of Safe Haven Foundation (SHF), Fatima Waziri-Azi, says the organisation remains committed to preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence through survivor-centred services, legal support, advocacy, research and policy reform. 

Ms Waziri-Azi, a professor of public law and former director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), said this in the foundation’s 2025 Impact Report.

The report outlined the SHF’s mission, achievements and long-term vision while highlighting its interventions in addressing sexual and gender-based violence across Nigeria.

She described the SHF as a survivor-centred, trauma-informed and rights-based non-profit organisation dedicated to building a society where women, girls and other vulnerable persons can live free from violence, abuse, discrimination and injustice.

According to her, the foundation delivers holistic support services that promote healing, justice and empowerment for survivors of domestic and sexual violence through coordinated interventions addressing immediate and long-term recovery needs nationwide.

“Our mission is to prevent domestic violence and sexual abuse through strategic legal interventions, research-driven advocacy and support to survivors.

“Our vision is simple but powerful: together against violence, together for hope,” she said.

Mr Waziri-Azi said the SHF’s interventions included emergency shelter, psychosocial support, legal empowerment, public advocacy, youth engagement, research initiatives and policy advocacy aimed at preventing violence and strengthening protection systems for survivors nationwide.

She explained that survivors receive emergency shelter, medical referrals, trauma-informed counselling, legal assistance and other essential services designed to restore dignity, promote recovery and improve access to justice and lasting protection.

“We provide survivors with a space of dignity, protection and emotional healing.

“Every survivor deserves safety, support and an opportunity to rebuild their lives free from fear and abuse,” she said.

The founder said the organisation also provided free legal services, including advice and representation in protection order applications, custody disputes, divorce proceedings and engagements with relevant law enforcement agencies across Nigeria.

According to her, the SHF complements direct survivor services with advocacy campaigns, awareness programmes and community outreach initiatives aimed at challenging harmful social norms, promoting prevention efforts and encouraging collective action nationwide.

She added that the organisation introduced internship and fellowship programmes for young people and emerging legal professionals to nurture future advocates committed to gender justice, human rights and survivor protection nationwide.

“We are investing in young people because sustainable change requires a new generation that understands human rights, gender equality and the importance of protecting vulnerable persons,” she said.

Ms Waziri-Azi said the foundation also conducted evidence-based research and published policy briefs and articles to influence legislation, strengthen institutional responses and improve survivors’ access to justice through informed policymaking and reforms.

She said that the SHF had established strategic partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen referral pathways, enhance survivor support services and improve coordinated institutional responses nationwide.

According to her, the foundation works closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that survivors have access to protection, psychosocial care, justice, rehabilitation services, and sustainable support throughout their successful recovery and reintegration process.

The legal scholar said the SHF also expanded its digital platforms to provide information on domestic violence, sexual abuse and available support services, enabling more survivors to seek assistance safely and discreetly online.

Giving an overview of the SHF’s impact, Ms Waziri-Azi said the foundation received 135 reports of domestic and sexual violence across Nigeria and the diaspora in 2025, providing shelter, legal, psychosocial and referral services.

She said the organisation also facilitated trauma counselling sessions, supported survivors through legal processes, conducted awareness campaigns, partnered with government and civil society organisations, and produced research to improve responses to gender-based violence nationwide.

“We believe that effective responses to gender-based violence must be informed by data, research and the lived experiences of survivors.

“Our goal is to contribute to stronger laws, better policies and more responsive institutions across Nigeria,” she said.

Ms Waziri-Azi reaffirmed the SHF’s commitment to advancing dignity, justice and protection for survivors while strengthening systems that prevent violence, improve accountability, enhance institutional responses and ensure perpetrators are held fully accountable nationwide.

“Ending violence is a collective responsibility. Through collaboration, advocacy and survivor-centred support, we can build safer communities and a future where every individual lives free from abuse and discrimination,” she said.

(NAN)