An Ethiopian non-profit where the law meets psychology
The Balance Organization is based in Addis Ababa. We are the first centre in Ethiopia to fully integrate family law services, trauma-informed psychological care, and human rights-based advocacy. Everything we do is free of charge.
Half-help is not help
A woman who wins a protection order but is left alone with her fear has not been made safe. A man who works through his grief in therapy but loses contact with his children because no one handled the custody case has not been made whole.
Most services in Ethiopia offer one or the other. We offer both, at the same time, from the same team. A lawyer and a psychologist plan every case together. This is what we mean by balance.
A legal victory without psychological healing is not justice. Healing without legal protection is not safety.
Our vision
An Ethiopia where every person's mind and rights are protected together, and where justice and healing are understood as one.
Our mission
To provide free, integrated legal aid and trauma-informed psychological care to people facing family breakdown, violence, and injustice, and to advocate for laws and systems that treat healing and justice as inseparable.
What we are working toward
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Provide legal and psychological help as one service
Every person we work with is supported by a lawyer and a psychologist on the same team, at no cost.
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Reach people where they are
At our office, in people's homes, inside prisons, and by phone for people outside Addis Ababa.
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Protect children
Through custody advocacy, child protection work, and therapy designed for children.
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Document and advocate
Record human rights violations with consent and care, and use what we learn to push for change in law and practice.
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Train professionals to work across disciplines
Give Ethiopian lawyers and psychologists the skills to work together, so integrated care spreads beyond our own walls.
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Build the evidence
Measure and publish what integrated care achieves in Ethiopia, honestly, so others can build on it.
How we work
Dignity first
You are a person with rights, not a case file. We speak plainly, listen carefully, and never rush you.
Confidential
What you tell us stays with us. We share nothing without your permission, unless the law requires it to keep a child or a life safe.
Trauma-informed
We understand how stress and trauma affect memory, decisions, and trust. Our whole team is trained to work with that in mind.
Rights-based
Our work rests on the Ethiopian Constitution and the human rights standards Ethiopia has committed to.
Free of charge
We never ask the people we help to pay. Not for a consultation, not for a court filing, not for a therapy session.
Honest about limits
We do not promise outcomes. We promise to stay beside you, tell you the truth, and do our best work.
One team, two professions
Do you need help?
If any of this sounds like your situation, contact us. It is free and confidential.
Get Help