Privacy Policy
Your privacy and confidentiality are our highest priorities
Last Updated: March 2, 2026
Introduction
The Efik Women's Association USA ("EWA," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals who interact with our organization. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or engage with our services.
We recognize the sensitive nature of the services we provide, particularly regarding domestic abuse support and advocacy. Your trust is paramount, and we maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and data protection.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
When you apply for membership, contact us, or request support services, we may collect:
- Name, contact information (email, phone, address)
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Heritage information (for membership eligibility)
- Information about your reason for joining or contacting us
Sensitive Information
If you request confidential support services, we may collect information about:
- Your situation and support needs
- Safety concerns and risk assessments
- Referrals to other services
This information is handled with the strictest confidentiality and stored securely.
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and browser type
- Pages visited and time spent on site
- Referring website addresses
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Process membership applications and maintain member records
- Respond to inquiries and provide requested information
- Provide confidential support services and referrals
- Send newsletters and updates about our programs (with your consent)
- Improve our website and services
- Comply with legal obligations and safeguarding requirements
- Conduct research and advocacy (using anonymized data only)
Data Protection & Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:
- Secure servers with encryption for data transmission
- Access controls limiting who can view sensitive information
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Staff training on confidentiality and data protection
- Secure disposal of information when no longer needed
For support service inquiries, we use additional security measures including encrypted communications and secure case management systems.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share information only in the following circumstances:
- With your consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information
- Service providers: Trusted third parties who assist in operating our website or services (under strict confidentiality agreements)
- Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
- Safeguarding: When there is a risk of serious harm, in accordance with safeguarding protocols
- Partner organizations: For referrals to support services (with your consent and on a need-to-know basis)
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal and safeguarding obligations)
- Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
- Objection: Object to processing of your information for certain purposes
- Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for communications at any time
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.
Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:
- Essential cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Contact Us About Privacy
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:
Mrs. Antigha Ikejiofor
Chair, Membership Committee
Email: [email protected]
Phone/WhatsApp: +1 347-737-1540
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.