A SILENT EPIDEMIC THAT DEMANDS OUR URGENT ATTENTION

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Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. In Nigeria, the reality is stark and alarming. UNICEF reported in 2015 that one in four girls and one in ten boys in Nigeria had experienced sexual violence before the age of 18, now we believe this figure might have increased. According to a survey by Positive Action for Treatment Access, over 31.4 percent of girls there said that their first sexual encounter had been rape or forced sex of some kind.

THE GRIM STATISTICS REVEALS DEEPER TRUTH

90% of abusers are known to the child and family and 84% of girls and 61% of boys don't know where to seek help. The incidence means that 15.8 million Nigerian children will be sexually abused before adulthood and 11 million of them will deal with the secrecy, trauma and long-term effects alone, without intervention. This staggering reality necessitates urgent systemic changes and a united front from society.

It entails a range of acts, including unwanted completed sex acts (e.g., rape), attempted non-consensual sex acts (e.g., unwanted completed or attempted sex), abusive sexual contact (e.g., unwanted touching), and pressured sex (such as through threats or tricks), by any person regardless of their relationship to the person experiencing the violence, in any setting including but not limited to home and work.



COMMON TYPES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Physical abuse (rape, sexual assault): The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a dramatic increase in reported cases of violence against women and girls. With up to 18 million female learners affected by school closures and concerted efforts to end child marriage becoming hampered by the lockdowns. Anecdotal reports show that domestic abuse and rape increased by 149% during the lockdown period as well as an increase in the number of girls subjected to Female Genital Mutilation.

Emotional and psychological abuse (coercion, manipulation): According to anecdotal reports, the western part of Nigeria has been reported to have the highest use of jinx and traditional manipulation commonly used to hypnotize women or men. The use of this materials has increased the incessant sexual abuse in the society.

Child sexual abuse: According to UNICEF, six out of ten children in Nigeria experience emotional, physical, or sexual abuse before the age of 18, with half experiencing physical violence. Religious settings such as within Protestant denominations and amongst Muslims that practice polygamy has also fueled this bad practice in the society.

Domestic sexual abuse (within marriage or partnerships): Harmful gender norms are the basic causatives for violence against women and girls. It all starts from the bride’s parents. 2 in 3 women and girls experience violence by their husbands and boy friends due to some wrong lectures given to them by their parents. Little wonder while Nigeria has the highest number of child brides in the world.

Online sexual abuse (particularly growing with the rise of digital platforms): The use of social

media has thought so many young people different sexual assaulting manner either verbally, bodily, or through views. Some Nigerian restaurants still display 18+ videos on their screen when they know both kids and adults patronize them. The engagement of all necessary factors is needed in working on the prevention of sexual violence in the society.


CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL ABUSE


The consequences of sexual violence extend far beyond the immediate physical harm.

Survivors often face lifelong psychological trauma, which may manifest as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The stigma surrounding sexual abuse can lead to social isolation and difficulty in forming healthy relationships, impacting victims’ educational and economic opportunities.


Conclusively, sexual violence against women and girls in Nigeria is a serious pandemic problem which requires collective efforts to eradicate. It is time for all stakeholders to act and put the rights of women and girls at the forefront of policies, programs and initiatives through laws and regulations, empowerment, prevention of violence, services and access to justice.



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