Safe house services

A safe haven

Comprehensive Care for Survivors of Violence

For over 19 years, the heart of AWSAD’s work has been our network of safe houses—a sanctuary where women and girls escaping physical, psychological, and sexual violence can find immediate safety and begin their journey of healing. We provide more than just a roof; we offer a holistic, survivor-centered program designed to address trauma, restore dignity, and build a foundation for an independent future, free from fear. Our doors are open, our support is unwavering, and our commitment is to every survivor’s right to a life of peace.

Provide a Sanctuary. Save a Life.

To meet the growing need for our services, AWSAD is constructing a new, permanent safe house in Addis Ababa. This landmark facility will be a cornerstone of hope, accommodating up to 100 women and girls at a time and empowering over 10,000 beneficiaries annually. This strategic expansion ensures our lifesaving sanctuary can serve generations of women and girls in their darkest hours.

OUR MISSION IN ACTION

Holistic Care for Survivors

  • Safe & Confidential Shelter
  • Medical & Psychological Care
  • Legal Aid & Protection
  • Education & Job Training

A Safe Haven for Healing and Empowerment

AWSAD operates a network of safe houses that provide immediate refuge and comprehensive rehabilitation for women and girls surviving gender-based violence. We don’t just offer a bed; we provide the essential tools—from medical care to education—that empower a survivor to heal from her trauma and build a new, independent life.

Safe Shelter & Protection

A secure, confidential environment is the first step to safety. We provide temporary housing where survivors can recover without fear, ensuring their well-being and privacy are protected at all times.

Medical & Psychological Care

Healing from trauma requires expert support. We offer immediate medical treatment and long-term, trauma-informed counseling to help survivors restore their physical and mental health.

Legal Aid & Justice Support

Navigating the legal system can be daunting. Our dedicated legal team provides counsel, court accompaniment, and case follow-up to help survivors secure their rights and seek justice.

Education & Vocational Training

Economic independence is key to breaking the cycle of violence. We provide access to formal schooling and marketable skills training, equipping survivors to build self-reliant futures.

 BEYOND SHELTER

Building Futures, Restoring Hope

Our safe houses are dynamic centers for transformation. We provide specialized services that empower survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive.

Expression

Art & Dance Therapy

Using creative arts as a powerful tool for psychological recovery, helping survivors process trauma and rebuild their sense of self.

Empowerment

Self-Defense Training

Equipping women and girls with practical skills and awareness to restore their personal power and confidence in their own safety.

Independence

Essential Life Skills

Providing crucial training in financial literacy and communication to ensure survivors are fully prepared to reintegrate into society.

A NETWORK OF HOPE

Six Safe Houses, One Mission

From Addis Ababa to Kombolcha, our six strategically located safe houses form a vital lifeline across Ethiopia. Each location provides a consistent standard of compassionate, comprehensive care, ensuring that no matter where she is, a survivor has a place to turn for safety and a chance to rebuild her life.

Your Questions Answered

Learn more about the operational scope and lasting impact of our safe house program.

AWSAD’s safe houses primarily serve:
• Women and girls affected by sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)
• Survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV)
• Internally displaced women and girls
• Economically vulnerable and marginalized women

Our support continues through our reintegration programs. We provide:
• Ongoing follow-up and counseling
• Assistance with securing stable housing
• Continued access to our economic empowerment programs

Collectively, our network of six safe houses has supported over 35,000 survivors in the past two decades. With our new Addis Ababa facility, we project the capacity to serve over 10,000 beneficiaries annually.

AWSAD safe houses are run by a dedicated team of 158 professionals. We rely on a mix of funding, including:
• Strategic partnerships with organizations like UN Women and UNFPA
• Grants from international donors
• Crucial support from individual donors and community contributions