More than 2,000 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) have been documented across Nigeria in the past ten years, according to Ophelia Adeleye, Communication Officer of the civil society organization Stand Up Against Rape. Adeleye revealed this during an event in Calabar as part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Adeleye highlighted the extensive support provided to survivors through various interventions. “We have intervened in over 2,000 GBV cases across Nigeria, offering survivors access to legal, medical, psychosocial, and financial assistance, as well as counseling services,” she stated.
She emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing the needs of survivors, ensuring they receive comprehensive care and advocacy.
Interestingly, only a small fraction—2%—of the recorded cases involve male survivors. Adeleye explained that this under-representation is due to societal stigmas that discourage men from coming forward about their experiences.
“Men are reluctant to speak out for various reasons,” she noted. “To address this, we’ve conducted advocacy campaigns and provided counseling to over 100,000 men, reaching them in locations such as motor parks and community gatherings.”
The event also served as a platform to advocate for greater inclusion of women in politics and society while emphasizing the importance of reducing GBV. Adeleye called for more robust efforts to challenge cultural norms and policies that perpetuate violence and inequality.
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