Lamia’s Journey Toward Safety and Self-Reliance I A Story from the Safe Homes in Aqaba
The Safe Homes model is designed to support women survivors of gender-based violence and their children through a holistic, survivor-centered framework. Services are offered free of charge and are delivered through a trauma-informed, rights-based approach that centers on respect, independence, and the journey toward long-term recovery. From day one, women like Lamia are welcomed into an environment of safety, understanding, and care, where support goes beyond emergency response and into building a sustainable future.
Lamia’s journey began with individualized psychological and social support. Through dedicated one-on-one sessions, she began to rebuild trust in herself and rediscover her voice. These sessions became the first building blocks toward a life grounded in resilience and clarity.
But healing doesn’t happen in isolation. At the Safe Homes, women receive holistic support across all aspects of life. Lamia’s severe nearsightedness, for instance, had gone untreated for years, something that had long hindered her daily life and limited her confidence. She received the medical care she needed, including prescription glasses. She was also provided with legal support, enabling her to begin the process of asserting her rights and seeking justice.
Enablement is a key pillar of the Safe Homes model. Lamia took part in economic empowerment efforts tailored to her goals and strengths. She was linked with relevant sessions that helped her tap into her potential and plan her next steps. Soon after, she secured a job at a local factory, an opportunity she embraced with determination. This wasn’t just about income, it was about restoring her sense of control over her life and laying the groundwork for long-term self-reliance.
To ensure her continued stability, a safe and private home was found for Lamia, with rent covered for six months. The team maintained close follow-up, helping her meet essential needs and navigate her journey with confidence.
Today, Lamia is not only working, she’s thriving. She lives in a space of her own, earns a living, and looks ahead with renewed purpose. Her words reflect the depth of her transformation:
“The Safe Home is truly a place of compassion and warmth. You were always there for me, listening, understanding, even when I couldn’t express myself. I felt a kind of safety I never thought I’d experience. When I needed help with my eyes, I didn’t even have to ask, you noticed and took care of it. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Lamia’s story is one of strength, not dependence. It is a reflection of what’s possible when women are not only protected, but supported to heal, rebuild, and lead their lives with independence and confidence.
The Safe Homes project was launched in SOS Children’s Villages in Jordan under the "Improving Access to Comprehensive GBV Services in Jordan" project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) Jordan, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Jordan. Key partners in the project included the National Council for Family Affairs, the Justice Center for Legal Aid, , and the Institute for Family Health, and EuroMed Feminist Initiative. Each of these partners provided crucial support in different areas, enhancing the comprehensive nature of the services provided by the project.
