Nigeria: NAPTIP Says 58% of Survivors Fail to Seek Help After Sexual Violence

In Nigeria, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported that 58% of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) do not seek help or report their experiences. The concerning prevalence of unreported SGBV in the country has prompted NAPTIP to launch the SGBV Media Corps initiative, aiming to enhance journalists' reporting of such cases.

The program, supported by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), targets the Federal Capital Territory and four other states, focusing on improving public engagement and promoting survivor-centred, evidence-based journalism.

NAPTIP disclosed that 21% of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. Toyin Adewale-Gabriel, a facilitator of the workshop, emphasized the scale of violence against women in Nigeria and highlighted the importance of responsible reporting in building public trust in institutions and encouraging survivors to access support services.

Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP's head of Press and Public Relations/Population Unit, urged journalists to delve into the factors contributing to SGBV and protect survivors from further harm through responsible reporting.

The initiative aims to move media coverage away from sensationalism and towards survivor-focused, accountable journalism. Vincent Adekoye stressed the need for journalists to question the roles of institutions, cultural practices, and social norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls. NAPTIP has rescued over 3,000 people from critical situations since January 2023 and secured more than 20 convictions in SGBV-related cases, including three life imprisonment sentences.

The agency also noted the emergence of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and the importance of collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, communities, and the media in addressing this challenge.