Case-study of Nigeria's response to Rape and Child Sexual Abuse
Princess Olufemi-Kayode, PhD, Media Concern Initiative for Women and Children, Lagos, Nigeria
Folake Modupe Bankole, Media Concern Initiative for Women and Children, Lagos, Nigeria
Background
Child Sexual Abuse and Rape are social ills frowned upon in every society including Nigeria, yet the rate continues to increase at an alarming rate.
Problem
Rape is a crime under Nigerian law and an internationally recognized human rights violation yet no adequate government response system exists in Nigeria. When sexual abuse of children happens, victims and families cannot access all needed services in a location resulting in great trauma to victims.
Description
MediaCon operates 24-hr national confidential helplines which attend to calls, offer counselling, referrals and victim advocates who facilitate and coordinate access to pro bono legal services provided by the State’s Directorate of Public Prosecution & Office of the Public Defender, Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV infection, prevention/treatment of STIs, Emergency Contraceptives and other medical needs. MediaCon’s Crisis Response models among other available supports works at reducing trauma to victims by harnessing sparse resources, initiating and encouraging victim’s healing process.
Lessons learned
Partnership with the media to generate awareness and enhance advocacy efforts. Systemic documentation of incidences. Broader networking to improve referrals.