The price of violence is economic. The solution can be, too. Behind many closed doors, violence is an everyday reality—especially for women in low-income countries. For millions, safety, autonomy, and economic participation are undermined long before they ever reach a bank branch or mobile wallet screen.
In this Vault Release, we revisit a powerful conversation with Dr. Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), whose work in Nigeria sits at the forefront of addressing gender-based violence with a survivor-centered lens.
One in three women globally experience physical or sexual violence, most often from an intimate partner. In low-income countries, that number surges to nearly 50%.
This episode explores a side of financial inclusion that is often invisible:
- the financial scars of abuse
- the role of economic violence—present in 99% of intimate partner violence cases
- and how access to financial tools can be a lifeline to safety
As the financial inclusion community works to build systems that genuinely serve women, the realities of violence cannot be ignored. This conversation reminds us that finance is not only a tool for prosperity—it can be a catalyst for safety, dignity, and long-term resilience.
A vital listen for anyone shaping financial systems, gender policy, or women’s economic empowerment.
If you or someone you know has been affected by gender-based violence, please find some resources below:
India:
- Women’s Helpline 181
- Phone: 181 (24/7 helpline across India)
- Website: https://www.ncw.nic.in/helpline
- Offers emergency support and guidance to women facing violence.
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Helpline
- Phone: 022-25521111
- Provides crisis intervention and support for women facing domestic violence.
- Sakhi (Support Centre for Women)
- Website: https://www.sakhi.org
- 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
- Email: www.warifng.org
- 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)
- Phone: 0701 767 5105
- Website: https://www.dsvrtlagos.org
- 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)
- Phone: +234 802 116 6089
- Website: https://www.womenfundnigeria.org
- Focuses on the economic empowerment and advocacy of women, including those affected by IPV.
- The Mirabel Centre
- Phone: 0703 103 1245 (Helpline)
- Website: https://www.mirabelcentre.org
- 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)
- Text: “START” to 88788
- Website: https://www.thehotline.org
- Offers confidential support, resources, and a live chat feature for survivors of IPV.
- Women’s Law (Legal Resource for Women)
- Website: https://www.womenslaw.org
- Provides information about legal rights, including protection orders and state-specific laws.
- Safe Horizon
- Phone: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)
- Website: https://www.safehorizon.org
- Offers support services including legal assistance, shelter, and counseling.
- Loveisrespect
- 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)
- Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
- Provides confidential support and advice for those experiencing domestic abuse.
- Women’s Aid Federation (UK)
- Phone: 0808 801 0327
- Website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk
- Offers practical and emotional support for women experiencing abuse, including access to refuges and legal advice.
- Refuge (UK)
- Phone: 0808 2000 247 (National Domestic Abuse Helpline)
- Website: https://www.refuge.org.uk
- Provides emergency shelter, support, and advocacy for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
- The Survivors’ Trust (UK)
- Website: https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org
- Provides a network of support services for survivors of sexual violence, including those experiencing IPV.
