Shelter and Feed DV Survivors in Lagos, Nigeria

Thank you so much for clicking to read our latest report!

Residents: Since the last report we shared with you, our Carroll* family has checked out.We have shared a full report in this pack.

In addition to the three moms and five children still in our care, we now have a teenager, L* with us. She is sponsored by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVRT) and is survivor of sexual and domestic abuse at the hand of her step father. 

L* arrived at the Sholly Serenity Place onJune 16, 2023.  We understand that he had been sleeping with her since she was nine years old. She is now 18. She actually checked in as a17 year old and only recently celebrated her 18th birthday in our care.

She finally fought back his sexual advances and he began to beat her. Thankfully, she had the courage to share her story with her teacher at school and her school reported the case to Lagos State and the DSVRT contacted us.  She was brought to us straight from school.

The case has been reported to the Police and Lagos State is managing the legal aspects. A court hearing is scheduled for September. Till then, she remains in our care.

So, altogether, we are currently taking care of three moms and six children ranging from 18 years old to 1 year old.

We are also taking care of an abused mom who has not been able to leave her home safely. She got in touch with us when she was about 7 month pregnant but was too scared to leave. As best as we can, we have been providing spiritual, emotional and financial support to her. She has not had the baby and has moved to her Father’s place. Thank God!

Catering: Our catering bill has increased thanks to the astronomical rise in the cost of living here in Nigeria. This was triggered by the removal of fuel subsidy by the Nigerian Government and its decision to float the Naira. Floating the naira refers to a currency exchange rate regime in which the value of the Nigerian naira is determined by market forces, specifically the supply and demand dynamics in the foreign exchange market. The impact of this decision hasbeen huge on all citizens and the Sholly Serenity Place is feeling the pinch especially in the area of catering costs.

From January to August 21, 2023, we havespentN1, 915,800 oncatering which comes to about 2,164$ using the current Naira to Dollar rate (885$ to 1 Naira). Our monthly spend has gone from N100,000/150,000 (115$ to 169$) to close to N200,000 (225$) as the cost of food continues to spike.

We thank God for all of you, our amazing financial partners for giving us the courage to keep going. With you on our side, we know that, by the grace of God, we have no fear of these financial storms.

Links:

• The Sholly Serenity Place on Instagram

• Please Click to See How We Are Doing at TSSP (PDF)