Sadika is a resilient woman living in Damaturu, Yobe State. Her life took a difficult turn when her husband, a businessman, lost his shop at Bayan Tasha Market after government-led development projects demolished several businesses. With no stable income, her husband withdrew from his responsibilities, leaving Sadika to shoulder the burden of feeding and caring for the household.
Before marrying Sadika, her husband had a first wife and four children. After their divorce, Sadika took on the responsibility of raising three of those children, even though they were not her own. Later, the fourth child was also sent back to her care. Along with her own children, Sadika suddenly found herself looking after five children in total.
Instead of supporting her, her husband’s behavior grew worse. He stopped providing food and other essentials, and when Sadika questioned him, he responded with physical violence. The abuse, neglect, and constant struggle for food left her exhausted and fearful. She had no one to turn to, and life seemed unbearable.
One day, Sadika heard about the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) in her community — an initiative that supports survivors of domestic violence and family disputes. Summoning courage, she went to the CSP and shared her painful experience.
The CSP team immediately took action. They invited her husband to a mediation session, where they counseled him about his role and responsibilities as a husband and father. They addressed the issue of domestic abuse directly, making it clear that violence was unacceptable and must stop. Through dialogue, they helped him see the damage he was causing to his wife and children.
Since the intervention, Sadika’s life has changed for the better. Her husband has started providing food and meeting the children’s needs. Most importantly, the physical abuse has stopped. Peace has returned to her home, and Sadika feels more secure and respected as a wife and mother.
I was tired and had no food for the children. My husband beat me when I asked for help. CSP people told him this must stop, and since then he has changed. Now he brings food home, and the beating has stopped.” — Sadika
Sadika’s courage and the CSP’s timely intervention not only transformed her life but also inspired other women in her community. Her story shows that community support can protect women, restore dignity, and bring lasting peace to families.