A women-focused organisation, Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS), has urged the Nigerian government to establish a centralised database to identify and prosecute perpetrators of sexual violence, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
The group described sexual violence as a pressing humanitarian concern that requires swift and deliberate national intervention.
This call was made by the National Coordinator of CWEENS, Prof. Oluwafunmilayo Para-Mallam, during an event held in Jos, Plateau State, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflicts.
According to her, “Sexual violence has become a weapon of war, with victims ranging from internally displaced women to young girls and persons with disabilities.”
She said the problem had gone beyond physical assault.
“The crisis has extended beyond rape to include physical, emotional, and socio-economic abuse driven by systemic patriarchy and worsening insecurity.”
Para-Mallam, who is also a gender advocate, noted the deep psychological effects of abuse.
“The survivors of sexual abuse suffer lasting psychological scars including depression, suicidal thoughts, and societal rejection.
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“Many victims face double tragedy when families disown them, and husbands divorce wives raped during captivity, leaving them re-traumatised and unsupported.”
She pointed to research showing that 95 percent of the victims are female, with women living with disabilities facing greater risks.
She further stated, “Shockingly, 82.3 percent of perpetrators were known to survivors, including family members, teachers, and neighbours, highlighting how violence was thriving even in homes and schools.”
To address this, she called for urgent interventions such as gender-responsive policing, women-led security groups in IDP camps, financial support for women’s agribusinesses to reduce vulnerability to trafficking, and public education campaigns aimed at dismantling harmful patriarchal beliefs.