Behind the closed doors of many homes, violence is a harsh reality—especially for women in low-income countries. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), to explore the intersection of finance and gender-based violence. With one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence—most often at the hands of intimate partners—the conversation delves into the devastating realities women face. In low-income countries, nearly 50% of women experience intimate partner violence, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue globally. We’ll discuss how financial services can empower survivors, tackle economic violence—which often accompanies 99% of economic abuse cases—and provide pathways to independence and resilience. Drawing on Dr. DaSilva-Ibru's groundbreaking work in Nigeria and innovative survivor-centered approaches, she’ll explore with us the critical role financial institutions play in driving systemic change. Don’t miss this compelling discussion on leveraging finance as a catalyst for safety and empowerment.
If you or someone you know has been affected by gender-based violence, please find some resources below:
India:
- Phone: 181 (24/7 helpline across India)
- Offers emergency support and guidance to women facing violence.
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Helpline
- Provides crisis intervention and support for women facing domestic violence.
- Sakhi (Support Centre for Women)
- Offers shelter, counseling, legal aid, and support to survivors of domestic violence in different states.
Nigeria:
- Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF)
- Helpline: (+234)-8009-210-0009
- WARIF offers a comprehensive approach to tackling gender-based violence, including emergency care, legal assistance, and counseling for survivors of IPV.
- The Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT)
- Operates in Lagos and offers support, including legal, psychological, and medical assistance for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
- Nigerian Women's Trust Fund (NWTF)
- Focuses on the economic empowerment and advocacy of women, including those affected by IPV.
- Phone: 0703 103 1245 (Helpline)
- A sexual assault referral centre in Lagos providing free medical and counseling services to survivors of sexual violence, including intimate partner violence.
United States:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Offers confidential support, resources, and a live chat feature for survivors of IPV.
- Women’s Law (Legal Resource for Women)
- Provides information about legal rights, including protection orders and state-specific laws.
- Phone: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)
- Offers support services including legal assistance, shelter, and counseling.
- Phone: 1-866-331-9474
- Text: "LOVEIS" to 22522
- Website: https://www.loveisrespect.org
- Provides support for young people and survivors of dating violence.
United Kingdom:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK)
- Phone: 0808 2000 247 (Free, 24/7 helpline)
- Provides confidential support and advice for those experiencing domestic abuse.
- Women's Aid Federation (UK)
- Offers practical and emotional support for women experiencing abuse, including access to refuges and legal advice.
- Phone: 0808 2000 247 (National Domestic Abuse Helpline)
- Provides emergency shelter, support, and advocacy for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
- The Survivors' Trust (UK)
- Provides a network of support services for survivors of sexual violence, including those experiencing IPV.
