Sexual violence is widespread; it happens in all cultures, across all social strata, and in every corner of the globe. Research from various local studies suggests that in certain regions, one out of every five women has faced an attempted or completed rape by an intimate partner during her lifetime.
As many as one-third of women recall their first sexual encounter as non-consensual. While the majority of victims are women, men and children of all genders also endure sexual violence. Sexual violence is a universal issue.
The rising case of sexual assault in Nigeria
In recent years, there has been a surge in the volume of gender-based violence reports in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. An opinion poll conducted in July 2019 revealed that most Nigerians (85%) believe there is a high prevalence of rape in Nigeria. According to the report,
“About 3 in 10 Nigerians (26%) disclosed that they know someone who has been raped in the past, and the rape survivors were particularly minors and young adults aged between 1-15 years (72%) and 16-25 years (24%), respectively. This statistic implies that one in every three girls would have experienced at least one form of sexual abuse by the time they reach 25 years”.
The Data Manager, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr Sunday Agbakaba, stated that Nigeria recorded 27,698 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence between 2020 and 2023. Agbakaba said the dashboard showed 9,636 open cases, 3,432 new cases, 1,741 closed cases, and 1,895 follow-up cases.
However, sexual abuse cases are still grossly under-reported, which may be due to the stigma attached to the survivors. In some societies, girls are taught to hide sexual assault, leading to shame and silence. This allows perpetrators to escape justice while survivors are blamed and ostracised.
Post-sexual assault care
Sexual violence is a devastating experience that can leave survivors with physical, emotional, and psychological scars. Addressing such traumatic experiences is crucial for the well-being and recovery of survivors. In the wake of sexual violence, post-sexual assault care plays a vital role in providing support, healing, and empowerment to those who have endured such atrocities.
Immediate response (0-72 hours)
Whether a survivor has decided to file criminal charges against their abuser or not, it is important to preserve any physical evidence in a paper bag, not a plastic bag. Survivors have about 72 hours to get a free sexual assault forensic exam—rape kit—before DNA evidence starts to degrade.
Medical attention typically involves preventing STIs or pregnancy and addressing physical injuries. Whenever possible, sexual assault survivors are referred to a local rape centre, often a hospital emergency department; specially trained professionals staff such centres.
Patients have the right to choose whether to undergo a sexual assault evaluation or not. The examination process is clearly described before each step, and consent is obtained before physical contact occurs. Patients have the option to refuse any part of the evaluation. Photographs of potential injuries are taken, if possible, and the findings are discussed with the patient before involving the authorities, provided the patient consents.
After the evaluation, the patient is provided with facilities to wash, change clothing, use mouthwash, urinate or defecate, if needed, before an expert gives subtle counselling.
Short-term care (weeks or months)
Not everyone who experiences sexual trauma develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but according to a study, in the week following a sexual assault, 81% of people have symptoms of PTSD. In the month after a sexual assault, 75% of survivors meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. After three months, the number drops to 54%, then 41% of survivors after a year. Since the full psychological effects can’t always be ascertained at the first examination, follow-up visits are scheduled at two-week intervals.
It’s essential to recognise signs of Rape Trauma Syndrome, which encompasses emotional reactions like anger, confusion, crying, numbness, fear, emotional instability, disrupted sleep and appetite, controlled behaviour, social withdrawal, and an elevated risk of PTSD.
Long-term care (months and years)
Family members and friends play a vital role in providing this support, such as gentle encouragement and reminders that the assault was not the survivor’s fault. They reassure survivors that the blame rests solely on the perpetrator. However, they may need guidance from sexual assault crisis specialists in managing their negative reactions.
While many rape victims heal from sexual assault without the aid of therapy, it is also advisable to receive professional therapy. This can include one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and even pharmacotherapy (medication), which can be used alongside other therapies.
Organisations that cater to sexual assault care
In Nigeria, where cultural and social norms often silence victims, accessing post-sexual assault care can be challenging, but some organisations are stepping up to the challenge.
Mirabel Centre
For over seven years, Mirabel Centre has committed to providing free critical support to sexual assault survivors, including medical examination, laboratory tests and treatment by trained forensic examiners. Counseling (face-to-face and telephony) to help cope with the emotional and psychological effects of sexual assault is done without charge.
The centre also reports sexual assault crimes to the police with the permission of the survivors, providing crucial information to the legal system, including medical reports for clients on referral from the police. This aids the investigation and subsequent prosecution of perpetrators.
The organisation continues to lead advocacy and educate the public about sexual-based violence in Nigeria.
Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF)
Set up to address the alarming rates of sexual violence, rape, and human trafficking of young girls and women across Nigeria, this non-governmental organisation (NGO) seeks to mitigate the harmful consequences of gender-based violence, including increased risks of HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies among survivors.
After the COVID-19 pandemic hit Nigeria, WARIF launched a “COVID-19 Response in Rural Communities Initiative” to provide support to women in rural areas who may be victims of sexual violence.
Stand To End Rape (STER)
Launched in 2015 by Ayodeji Osowobi, a survivor of sexual violence herself, STER is a youth-led non-profit advocating against sexual violence. The NGO provides prevention mechanisms and supports survivors with psychosocial services, including social and emotional support and crisis counselling.
STER representatives often go into communities to sensitise people on rape, sexual violence, and assault. Where medical or legal help is required, STER refers victims to the Mirabel Centre for medical and legal assistance or the Women At Risk Foundation (WARIF) for survivor support, even in remote locations.
Post-sexual assault care is crucial for survivors’ recovery and healing. The effects caused by assault bring about a definite change in any survivor’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being, which gets worse with time. By prioritising survivor-centred support, we can work towards a future where survivors receive the care and justice they deserve.
