“I didn’t even know what to call it.”
When Mary thinks back to that day, she remembers the confusion more than anything else. It wasn’t a stranger. It wasn’t violent in the way movies show it. It was someone she knew, someone she trusted.
For a long time, she didn’t speak about it, because she wasn’t sure if it “counted.”
Amina’s story reflects the reality of many young people in Nigeria.
Sexual assault is often misunderstood. It is not limited to physical force. It includes any sexual act carried out without consent, through pressure, manipulation, intimidation, or when someone is unable to say no.
According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS):
- 31% of women have experienced physical violence
- 9% have experienced sexual violence
Yet, many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear, and lack of trust in systems.
One of the biggest challenges in addressing sexual violence is the persistence of harmful myths.
Many people believe sexual assault is usually committed by strangers. In reality, survivors often know the perpetrator. This makes it harder to speak out, especially when family or community relationships are involved.
There is also a tendency to blame survivors based on what they wear or how they behave. This shifts responsibility away from perpetrators and discourages reporting.
Understanding consent is key.
Consent must be:
- Freely given
- Clear and informed
- Ongoing and reversible
Anything outside of this is not consent.
The effects of sexual assault can be long-lasting, affecting a survivor’s mental health, relationships, education, and overall well-being.
While Nigeria has legal frameworks like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), gaps in awareness and implementation remain.
However, support systems do exist.
Initiatives like TechHer and EVA’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Emergency Response Fund provide urgent support, helping survivors access medical care, legal assistance, and psychosocial services when it matters most.
Organisations like the Mirabel Centre and DSVA also play critical roles in providing care, advocacy, and safe spaces.
Ending sexual violence requires more than awareness.
It requires:
- Education
- Accountability
- Community support
- Access to real services
Because understanding sexual assault is the first step toward ending it.
And understanding begins with unlearning.
Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know needs support:
- TechHer SGBV Emergency Response Fund
Email: sgbvemergencyfund@gmail.com
WhatsApp/Phone Number: 07046472730
- Mirabel Centre
Phone number: 0815577000, 08187243468, 07013491769
- Lagos DSVA
Email: info@lagosdsva.org
Phone number: 08000333333
- Education As A Vaccine (EVA)
For confidential and non-judgmental information, counselling, and referrals,
please contact MYQ Services through any of the channels below:
SMS: 38120
(Free on MTN and Airtel networks)
WhatsApp: 08027192781
Hotline: 08006978378466
(Toll-free on all networks)
For Emergency GBV Response:
Call: 07046472730
You deserve support. You deserve to be heard.