🚨

In immediate danger?

Leave this page and call your local emergency services or go to a safe place.

πŸ‘‡ Scroll down to find local hotlines and support near you.

Rights & Support

Your body, your rights. We provide education, referrals and a safe space.

Choose your country for local guidance:
Emergency: 112 |Hotline: 116 (GBV) / 3512 (child abuse)
βš–οΈ Legal context in Rwanda: Abortion legal in cases of rape, incest, fetal impairment, or risk to maternal health.

This information is educational and not legal advice. Laws may change.

πŸ“ Find Help Near You

Access verified hotlines, shelters, and legal aid services in your area.

Browse Global Help Directory β†’

πŸ›‘οΈ Safety Planning (If You Are Not Ready to Report)

You don't have to face this alone. Even if you're not ready to report, you can take small steps to protect yourself.

  • πŸ“± Save emergency numbers in a hidden contact
  • πŸ“„ Keep copies of important documents (ID, bank cards) with a trusted friend
  • πŸ” Use a private browser or delete call logs after seeking help
  • πŸ“· Safely document evidence (photos, screenshots) – store in a password-protected folder
  • πŸ₯ If you have experienced sexual violence, try not to shower or change clothes before a forensic exam if possible
  • πŸ‘₯ Identify a code word with a trusted person to signal danger
  • πŸ“¦ Prepare a small bag with essentials in case you need to leave quickly

πŸ“’ Report a Concern (GBV, Abuse or Rights Violation)

This form is for non‑urgent reports. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number first.

πŸ”’ What happens next? Our safeguarding team will review your report. We will only contact you if you have consented and provided safe contact details. We are not a crisis service - we offer referrals to trusted local services. Your information is handled confidentially.

πŸ€” Relationship Health Check

For each statement, choose how often it applies to your current or most recent relationship. This quiz is for self-reflection only.

My partner respects when I say 'no' to sexual activity, even if we've done it before.

I check my partner's phone or messages without their permission.

My partner makes me feel guilty for spending time with my friends or family.

We discuss contraception and STI testing openly and together.

My partner has pushed, hit, or physically hurt me during an argument.

I feel safe to express my feelings without being insulted or belittled.

My partner threatens to hurt themselves if I leave them.

We respect each other's privacy and personal space.

My partner controls what I wear or where I go.

When we disagree, we talk calmly and try to find a solution together.

Understanding Consent – The FRIES Model

Freely given
No pressure
Reversible
Can change mind
Informed
Know the facts
Enthusiastic
Excited "yes"
Specific
Yes to one β‰  yes to all

Silence, past consent or being under the influence is NOT consent. (Source: Planned Parenthood)

Trauma‑Informed Self‑Care

Healing from abuse or violence is a journey. These practices may help restore a sense of safety:

🧘 Grounding techniques
5‑4‑3‑2‑1 exercise
πŸ““ Journaling
Write without judgment
🧠 Mindful breathing
Slow, deep breaths
πŸ‘­ Support networks
Connect with trusted people
πŸ›Œ Sleep hygiene
Consistent routine
🎨 Creative expression
Art, music, movement

How to Support a Friend

If someone confides in you about abuse or harassment, your response matters.

  1. Listen without judgment – Believe them.
  2. Validate their feelings – "Thank you for trusting me."
  3. Ask how you can help – Offer options, don't pressure.
  4. Respect their decisions – They know their situation best.
  5. Know your limits – Encourage professional support.

🚨 If you witness harassment in public:

Use the "3 D's" – Direct (call it out), Distract (create a diversion), Delegate (find help).

Digital Safety & Privacy

If you are concerned about online monitoring, consider these steps:

  • Use private/incognito browsing for sensitive searches
  • Clear browser history regularly
  • Use strong, unique passwords
  • Enable two-factor authentication where available
  • Check location sharing settings on apps and devices
  • Use a secondary email for sensitive accounts
  • If concerned, consider using a trusted friend's device

Learn more at about.mysafepad.org/digital-safety

Legal Advocacy - What You Can Do

If you decide to report to police:

  • Request a female officer if that feels safer
  • Bring a trusted friend or advocate
  • Ask for a copy of the police report
  • You can stop the process at any time

Protection orders:

  • Legal document forbidding contact
  • Often available through legal aid
  • Our Find Help directory includes legal aid contacts

Supporting a Survivor - What Not to Say

❌ Avoid these phrases:

  • "Why didn't you leave?"
  • "Are you sure it happened that way?"
  • "You should have fought back."

βœ… Instead say:

  • "I believe you."
  • "It's not your fault."
  • "What do you need right now?"

πŸ“š Know Your Rights

🀝 What is consent?

Consent is a clear, enthusiastic and voluntary "yes" that can be withdrawn at any time. Silence or past consent does not count.

🩺 What should I do after sexual assault?

If possible, do not shower or change clothes before seeking medical care. Go to a hospital that offers forensic exams.

🀐 Can I seek support confidentially?

Yes. Many services offer confidential support. Use private browsing and be mindful of shared devices.

πŸ“± What is digital harassment?

Sending unwanted explicit images, threatening to share intimate photos or online stalking. Document evidence and report to platforms.

Keep a Private Incident Log

Download this template to document dates, events and evidence - store it safely.

Save on a USB drive or encrypted folder. Never store on a shared device.

🩸 Your Menstrual & Reproductive Rights

Period Dignity

You have the right to menstrual products, clean water and private spaces at school and work.

Reproductive Coercion

It is abuse if someone tries to control your reproductive choices - pressuring you to get pregnant or forcing contraception.

Menstrual Pain & Medical Care

Severe period pain that interferes with daily life is not normal. You have the right to medical evaluation.

Pregnancy Options

Where legal, safe abortion is healthcare. We offer unbiased information and referrals to legal providers where available.

πŸ’š Healthy Relationships Look Like This

βœ… Respect for boundaries
βœ… Open communication
βœ… Shared decisions
βœ… Freedom from fear
βœ… Mutual support
βœ… Privacy and trust
βœ… Safe sex practices
βœ… Willingness to grow

🧩 Inclusive Support – For Everyone

πŸ‘©β€πŸ¦½ Persons with Disabilities – Right to accessible SRHR services and protection from violence.
πŸ§’ Children & Adolescents – Age‑appropriate consent education and child marriage prevention.
🌍 Ethnic Minorities & Refugees – Culturally sensitive support and referrals.

🌍 International Laws & Treaties

πŸ“œ CEDAW – Discrimination against women
πŸ‘§ UNCRC – Rights of the child
βš–οΈ Maputo Protocol – African Women's Rights
β™Ώ CRPD – Rights of persons with disabilities

Bodily Autonomy

You have the right to make decisions about your own body. Consent must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic and specific.

Gender-Based Violence

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, visit our Find Help page for referrals.

Family Planning

All modern contraceptive methods are safe and effective. Consult a healthcare provider for options.

Pregnancy Options

Where legal and/or guided by license practitioners, safe abortion is healthcare. We offer unbiased information and referrals to trusted, legal providers.

πŸ”’ Your privacy matters. We are not a crisis service - for immediate help, please use emergency services in your area or visit our Find Help directory for local support.