Corps member educates Lagos youth on child abuse

A youth Corps member serving in Lagos state, has organized a sensitization programme to further enlighten youth and their parents on the increasing cases of child sexual abuse in the country.

Doctor Nimah Abdulganiyu Ibikunle serving at the Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said Secondary School students from 22 Schools in the LCDA, their teachers, members and officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and some parents were sensitized on different ways of preventing and managing the menace.

The convener, Dr Ibikunle added that a film show was also organized for the community members with over 400 participants.

“Children who have been abused should not feel ashamed because they can be an abuse survivor. They should know it has happened to others before because the more ashamed they are, the more intimidated they become and the higher the chances they will be abused again.

“We all have a role to play in the prevention. This sensitization programme is aimed at building their confidence,” she noted.

An official of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, Adewusi Damilare said the team records cases of abuse and violence on a daily basis.

He lamented the increasing number of domestic violence, sexual assault and violence in the State, adding that over 1,800 cases were reported between January and August, 2018 while over 2,000 children were emotionally abused between January and October.

He also said over 500 children were sexually abused, and over 500 were defiled.

The Chief Executive Officer of Liteheart Counselling Centre, Mrs Fatimah Jaji said over 90 per cent of those who abuse children are familiar and close to them.

She appealed to youth to be wary of those around them, adding that, one in four girls and one in six boys experience sexual assault, violence and molestation before the age of 18.