A nongovernmental organisation, Soroptimist International has called on governments at all levels, individuals, communities and other stakeholders to support the rehabilitation of victims of sexual violence and abuse in the country.
Gwarinpa Branch President of the NGO, Oby Obiekwe, according to a statement issued by the organisation Friday, made the call during a seminar it held in Abuja on the mental health effects of sexual violence on victims.
She said the widespread sexual violence in the country, especially against women and the girl child, needed concerted efforts by all stakeholders to tackle in view of the long-lasting negative impacts such would have on their mental health.
“Essentially, there cannot be a full mental health healing without the full recognition and resolution of the injustice meted out on victims in Nigeria. At the same time, you will agree with me that money by itself cannot stop the pain of abuse and violation in a sexual context.
“This is why despite having won cases, some people still go ahead and commit suicide or waste their lives. Therefore, it is our responsibility to encourage the victims who are pursuing justice to begin to find healing through therapy and counselling or participate in any form of alternative dispute resolutions,” she said.
In a presentation during the seminar, Dr Olusegun Shoyombo, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the National Hospital Abuja, identified suicidal thoughts, depression, emotional trauma, sleeplessness and substance abuse as some of the negative impacts of sexual violence on the victims.
He said there was need for the society to support the rehabilitation of victims of sexual violence rather than allow them to face discrimination and stigmatisation.
