In Nigeria, despite the fact that violence against women is a daily occurrence both in the public and private spheres, it is often rendered invisible, unrecognised and at best trivialised. For many years in Nigeria, violence against women received very little or no attention, with the silence engulfing it being used as a weapon in further perpetrating it.

However since the beginning of the decade, attempts have been made by organisations, to bring to the fore the problem of violence against women. These attempts have however been greatly hampered by lack of statistical information and specific programmes to deal with the structural nature of violence against women.

The present dearth in statistics and lack of a systematically documented information on violence against women, both in the public and private spheres, require urgent attention. Without the existence of a vibrant data bank on cases of violence against women, the problem can not be adequately dealt with. In attempting to influence policy and law reform, statistics are of utmost importance. There is thus a need for continuous research and documentation of existing and emerging trends in gender-based violence.

Furthermore, is the lack of shelter, counselling and other forms of support services to abused women. This exposes them to more violence and psychological trauma. Contrary to commonly held belief, the extended family, does not offer succour to abused women. In most cases she is often blamed for various acts of violence perpetrated against her and sent back to the violent environment.

There is therefore the urgent need for the establishment of an organisation on violence against women, which would not only render practical support services to abused women, but will also research and document such abuses for purpose of advocacy, influencing policy, and law reform.

Project Alert is being established to play this critical role. Ideal as it may seem to affiliate Project Alert to one of the already existing women’s rights organisation, this will only succeed in further playing down the importance and seriousness of these issues. Violence against women is a cog in the wheel of this country’s development process.

* Provide immediate support services (counselling, shelter and legal aid services) to abused women and children.

* Provide training and consultancy to individuals and corporate bodies on gender-based violence programmes/projects.

* Advocate and influence policies that would aid the elimination of violence against women at different levels and in both the public and private spheres.