Rape: Police In Nigeria Encouraging Victim Shaming, Stigma —Experts

Experts have attributed the perpetuating of social and cultural stereotypes around rape in Nigeria to the reaction of the Nigeria Police Force when sexual assault cases are reported.

This was made known in a webinar organised by the American Corner and Boundless Hands Africa Initiative For Women and Children titled Addressing Gender-based Violence During COVID-19 and Beyond monitored by SaharaReporters.

Anthonia Ojenabo, one of the speakers, said most victims do not speak up when they are abused because when they do, they are bullied by society and even law enforcement officers.

She said, “Pre-COVID-19, cases were on a weekly basis but it intensified because people were on lockdown with their abusers and couldn’t go out. Because of culture, the Nigerian culture of stigma and silence, people don’t talk. Abusers rape and beat up spouses and the few who talk have been bullied.

She said, “Pre-COVID-19, cases were on a weekly basis but it intensified because people were on lockdown with their abusers and couldn’t go out. Because of culture, the Nigerian culture of stigma and silence, people don’t talk. Abusers rape and beat up spouses and the few who talk have been bullied.