There’s a frightening surge in cases of sexual abuse in children irrespective of gender.
A group in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria has called on the United Nation’s Children’s Fund, UNICEF and indeed the United Nations to beam its searchlight on the boy child by setting aside a day in honor of the male child who according to them is also been exposed to abuse.
The Child rights group made the call in the ancient city during an interactive session with journalists. At the session they encouraged victims of sexual abuse to speak up against the trend capable of jeopardizing the lives of our nation’s shining lights.
According to a 2017 United Nation’s Children’s Funds report, abuse in all forms are a daily reality for many Nigerian children and only a fraction ever receive help.
Six out of every 10 children experience some form of violence, one in four girls and 10 per cent of boys have been victims of sexual violence.
Of the Children who reported violence, fewer than five out of a 100 ever received any form of support and this is why many sexual violence related incidents have been swept under the carpet.
Laide Badmus has not gotten justice 29 years after she was raped by her step father, this rape victim has however taken up the gauntlet to provide justice and support for children who are victims of sexual violence and abuse.
She reaffirmed her commitment at giving equal opportunity and priority to the Nigerian Child irrespective of Gender.
Organizers of this event say they intend to provide treatment and support for victims of child abuse. They urged them not to be threatened and bullied into silence by their perpetrators who must face justice.
They also called on government at all levels to put in place enabling laws to protect the interest of victims and eventually ensure that perpetrators pay dearly for their crime.
Experts here have also called on parents to be more vigilant and be more familiar with drivers of violence against children which they say are deeply rooted in social norms, violence against women and community beliefs all of which increase children’s vulnerability.
They want government at all levels to be more proactive and put the interest of the Nigerian child on the front burner.
SPEAKERS
ADEMOLA AJIBOLA , (CHILD RIGHTS ACTIVIST)
AYO GEORGE , (CHILD RIGHTS ACTIVIST)
LAIDE BADMUS , (FORMER VICTIM OF SEXUAL ABUSE)
