As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, data continues to reveal the stark reality of women’s and girls’ vulnerability to sexual violence and its devastating impact.
The Numbers: Sexual Violence in Nigeria
The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) provides sobering insights:
- 9% of Nigerian women have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives, while 4% reported such experiences in the year preceding the survey.
- Women who are divorced, separated, or widowed are particularly at risk, with 15% reporting experiences of sexual violence compared to 9% of married women.
- Among ever-married women, 65% of sexual violence cases are perpetrated by a current husband or partner.
- For never-married women, perpetrators are often strangers (28%) or current/former boyfriends (27%).
Between July 2013 and June 2019, 80.7% of sexual assault cases reported at Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) involved children under 17 years old. Alarmingly, 67% of perpetrators were individuals known to the survivors.
Sexual violence takes many forms, including:
- Rape
- Child sexual abuse
- Forceful penetration with objects
- Intimate partner sexual violence
- Related crimes and acts of violence
The Impact of Sexual Violence
The effects of sexual violence are profound and multifaceted, impacting survivors psychologically, emotionally, and physically. These effects can be overwhelming, but with the right support, survivors can begin to heal and rebuild their lives.
Steps to Take After an Assault
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, taking the right steps is critical. While it may feel overwhelming, following these steps can preserve evidence, support healing, and increase the chances of bringing the perpetrator to justice:
- Preserve the Scene: Do not clean or disturb the area where the assault occurred.
- Preserve Evidence: Avoid showering, bathing, douching, eating, drinking, washing your hands, or brushing your teeth until after a medical examination.
- Save your clothing from the time of the assault, placing each item in a separate bag.
- Seek Support: Call a trusted friend, family member, or someone you feel safe with to provide emotional and physical support.
- Document Details: Write down or record as much as you can remember about the assault, including the time, location, and description of the assailant.
- Visit a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): These centres provide medical care, counseling, and legal support.
- Report the Crime: Go to the nearest police station to file a report. Reporting can empower you, initiate an investigation, and help prevent the perpetrator from harming others.
Why Reporting Matters
Reporting sexual violence not only ensures that the survivor’s voice is heard but also helps disrupt cycles of abuse. Survivors who come forward play a critical role in holding perpetrators accountable and protecting others from harm.
As we advocate for an end to gender-based violence, it is crucial to address the systemic barriers survivors face and to ensure they have access to justice, support, and safety. Let’s work together to create a world free from violence.
Source: The Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN)