An alarming number of Nigerian children are regularly being sexually abused by person(s) who are supposed to protect them.The survivors deserve to have their dignity restored and integrated back into the society.
Child sexual abuse is one of the most traumatising forms of violence against children, usually committed by a person in a position of power and trust in the child’s life.
Indeed, a recent World Health Organisation report states that so prevalent is child sexual abuse in Nigeria that the abuse begins long before the survivor turns five.
In recent times, the Nigerian media has reported an increased frequency of child rape cases in various parts of the country.
However, it(media) rarely beams its spotlight on the aftermath of the abuse and this includes what becomes of the survivor after the public outrage dies down.
Rosi (not real names), was serially raped by a neighbour whom she held in high esteem. This is her story.
In Numbers: Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria at a glance
4035
The number of child rape cases reported in Lagos in 2017 so far.
1000
The number of child rape cases reported in Kwara State in 2017 so far.
600
The number of child rape cases reported in Gombe State in 2017 so far.
1200
The number of child rape cases reported in Rivers State in 2017 so far.
115
The number of rape perpetrators tried in Anambra State in 2017.
589
The number of child rape cases treated in Lagos in July.
32
The number of rape convictions in Nigeria’s legal history so far according to rights lawyer, Evans Ufeli.
A Ticking Time Bomb
Experts have lamented the increase in child sexual abuse in Nigeria lately.
In a recent interview, Mrs. Tope Abiara, founder of Love Clinic, revealed that the cases are more rampant in Oyo and Lagos States. She said, “Most of the cases are not even reported. Parents need to protect their children because they are the ones that can protect their children very well. There are so many cases that have been reported in the media.
“For instance a 9 year was defiled by 13 year old, 2 year defiled by 4 years old, a man raping his 10 years old niece, 29 years man raping 6 years old girl. There are different types of sexual abuses which include; non-genital touching, genital touching, penetrative. 95 percent of child sexual abuses go unreported because of fear of stigmatization, and 90 percent of child abuse victims know their abuser.
What the law says
The Child Rights Act states that sex with a minor is rape, and anyone who has sexual intercourse with a child is liable to imprisonment for life upon conviction.
Another law that deals with rape is the Criminal Code (CC), which is applicable in all the southern states. Under the CC, rape is when any person has sexual intercourse with a woman or girl, without her consent, or incorrectly obtained consent.
It states that sexual intercourse with under aged girls, or people with unsound mind, is the offence of defilement, and so technically a person could be charged for rape and defilement.
According to the Penal Code, which is applicable in all the northern states, sex with a girl under 14 years of age or who is of unsound mind is rape, irrespective of whether there is consent.
All Talk, No Action
Apparently worried by the incessant cases of sexual assault and violence against children, so many stakeholders have spoken out against the menace but very little or nothing has come out of it.
Indeed, a human rights lawyer, Evans Ufeli, has said that despite an overwhelming reported cases of sexual assaults, Nigeria has recorded only 18 rape convictions in its legal history.
She spoke, recently, at the 5th edition of ‘The Conversation,’ a quarterly public dialogue that focuses on child abuses and parenting in Lagos.
“The Nigerian criminal code recommends life imprisonment for rape convicts and 14 years for attempted rape, but only 18 people have ever been convicted in Nigeria,” said Mrs. Ufeli, who had been handling sexual assault cases for over a decade.
The lawyer said that sexual abuse matters in law courts are sometimes frustrated by the government, which usually acts as the prosecution.
“Government agents who are saddled with checking sexual assaults, especially the police and public prosecutors, compromise their profession,” Mrs. Ufeli said.
10 ways we can help curb this menace
Everyone of us have a role to play in curbing this disturbing trend
Charity Begins At Home
The family:
- Be friendly, but with boundaries: In as much members of the family should be free to relate with each other, however, develop a plan that spells out how to live in your home. Don’t assume children know these things.
- Listen to the child: Don’t tell the child how to feel or what to say. Children don’t always need advice, but they do need to vent. Let them use their own words, even if they are offensive to you. You can help them replace their offensive words with more acceptable ones later when they aren’t opening their souls up to you.
- Record any information, such as birth parents’ sexual behavior to a social worker immediately: Report your reactions to what you observed. Keep a copy of everything you submit.
- Face the problem: When the abuse is known, adults must face the problem honestly, protect the child at all cost and ensure that the abuser is dealt with.
Be Your Brother’s Keeper
Society
5. The society should exhibit zero-tolerance to rapist by naming and shaming the perpetrators.
6.. Intensification of advocacy on the protection of human rights by insisting that survivors of rape be given ample time to prosecute their case in the law Courts.
Government:
7 The government should enforce all child rights law in all states
8 More stringent measures should be taken by all levels of government against culprits
Media:
9. The Media should give cases of child sexual abuse prominence across every news outlet. They shouldn't leave it all to the NGOs.
10. Follow to case of child sexual abuse to the latter and regularly followup on the prosecution of perpetrators as well as the welfare of survivors.
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