10 Facts that will shock you about child sex abuse in Nigeria

Flora Bossey
Aug 26, 2017 · 2 min read

In recent times there have been rising incidents of child sex abuse also know as Paedophilia. A recent survey by UNICEF reveals that certain factors are responsible for this increase. However here are certain facts you did not know about child sex abuse.

1

Four out of every 10 girls and One out of 10 boys are likely to be sexually abused before the age of 18

2

In Nigeria, the nature of the crime and culture of silence by victims and their families is fueling the prevalence of child sexual abuse cases. Families of victims do not want to be shamed so they refuse to report cases of abuse and pursue prosecution of offenders.

3

Penal code in Section 216 says any person who unlawfully and indecently deals with a boy under the age of 14 years is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.

4

“Similarly, Section 225 prescribes two years imprisonment for an offender who abducts a girl under eighteen years of age with intent to have her to be unlawfully carnally known by any man.”

5

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an international treaty that legally obliges states to protect children’s rights. Articles 34 and 35 of the CRC require states to protect children from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. These include outlawing the coercion of a child to perform sexual activity, the prostitution of children, and the exploitation of children in creating pornography

6

Only about a third of child sexual abuse cases are identified and even fewer are reported

7

Child sexual abuse is a public health problem with enormous consequences. Victims. Emotional and mental health are often the first consequence of child sex abuse

8

Today, 95 percent of child molestation can be prevented. We have the knowledge to stop it.

9

90percent of cases of child sexual abuses are perpetrated by persons known by the children

10

Lagos State recorded 4,035 cases of sexual and child abuse in 2015 according the then Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem

#NigeriaStopPedophiliaNow

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