Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), a non-profit organization which was set up in response to the high incidence of rape and sexual violence in Nigeria has released data exposing the alarming rate of rape and sexual violence incidents especially among minors.
“Over 1,100 girls in less than 3 years have been attended to at the WARIF Centre, of which 759 (accounts for 69 percent ) were minors between the ages of 0-18 years old,” according to data reported from the WARIF Centre
The reported also stated that based on monitoring and evaluation of the number of these cases by the Foundation since inception, the incidents of sexual assault was highest in 2018 making up 45 percent of the incidents reported till date.
However, rape and Sexual violence results in multiple consequences for survivors and their families, including unwanted pregnancies that may result from such violence in response to these challenges the organization seeks to reduce these numbers by using their holistic “WARIF Approach” to tackle these issues through Awareness/Sensitization Programs and Post Incident Care of survivors of gender-based violence.
“WARIF was established in response to a grave need in our society – 25 percent of our female populations were being exposed to various acts of sexual violence and rape,” said Kemi DaSilva Ibru; an Obstetrician and Gynecologist and the founder of WARIF.
According to DaSilva Ibru, majority of these young women had nowhere to access free health care or seek help after their abuse. At WARIF, we ensure that all women are supported with all their needs addressed, for their healing and recovery process.”
“With the alarming rate of sexual assault survivors coming out to speak their truth, organizations like WARIF who have been at the forefront of this menace are prepared to do all they can to support these survivors,” she added.
Meanwhile, at the WARIF Rape Crisis Centre located in Lagos , Immediate medical care is offered to these survivors which include Forensic Medical Examinations, Treatment of physical Injuries, the dispensation of Emergency Contraceptives, administration of Post Exposure Prophylaxis which prevents HIV/AIDS, Psychosocial counseling, and referrals for associated services such as Legal Aid among others.
Speaking on the 24-hour confidential helpline being run by the centre, it was reported that 632 calls in the last 2 years have been received from people calling to report cases of gender-based violence and seek counseling from trained therapists at the WARIF Centre.
The organisation has also launched group therapy sessions from June 2019 to support survivors who relive the trauma of their past experiences and in 2 months, 60 women have come to WARIF for these sessions, 83.9 percent of which are below the age of 30 years.
WARIF is committed to supporting survivors and preventing the occurrence of rape and sexual assault through the WARIF Centre and other impactful and sustainable initiatives in Education and Community Service.
ANTHONIA OBOKOH
