THE PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

The prevalence of sexual violence against women and girls in Nigeria has become a pervasive issue, as evidenced by a recent study revealing that one in every five women aged 15 to 49 has experienced physical or sexual abuse. This disturbing statistic was unveiled during a collaboration between the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the European Union (EU), and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), which aimed to explore how the media could play a role in challenging institutional failures and breaking the culture of silence surrounding sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the country.

Despite the stringent provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, which outlines legal protections against domestic violence, economic abuse, forced isolation, and harmful traditional practices, reports of violence continue to surface daily.

The NAPTIP report highlights the urgent need for increased efforts from all stakeholders to address this troubling trend. While strides have been made through initiatives such as the EU-supported End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Programme, which provides journalists with specialized training to investigate and report on SGBV more effectively, ethically, and sensitively, it is clear that the problem extends beyond the media's reach.

Security agencies and government bodies at all levels must also join forces to tackle the root causes and dynamics of this growing violence, which often goes unnoticed or dismissed by law enforcement agencies unless it results in death.

The pervasive nature of SGBV in Nigeria is further compounded by societal attitudes that perpetuate impunity. Women, particularly those from marginalized communities, are often deterred from reporting violence due to fear of stigma and the influence of patriarchal interpretations within various faiths, which advocate for endurance in the face of abuse. This climate of silence and tolerance has allowed the problem to fester, undermining the stability of the family unit and the larger society.

To effectively combat sexual violence, a collective approach is essential. The media, security agencies, and government bodies must collaborate to raise awareness, implement legal protections, and promote a culture of accountability. Only by addressing the underlying causes and breaking the cycle of silence can we hope to protect our women and girls and ensure the health and prosperity of Nigeria as a nation.