Journalist seeks compensation scheme for victims of sexual, gender-based violence

Grace Ike, the chairperson of the house of representatives press corps, says there is a need for a government-funded compensation scheme for victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Ike spoke on Wednesday at the unveiling of the book “Tears from the Grave”, by Lemmy Ugbegbe, an advocate against SGBV.

The Men Against Rape Foundation (MARF), a civil society organisation, organised the book presentation.

The book is a collection of poems on sexual and gender-based violence in memory of Keren-Happuch Akpagher, the late student of Premiere Academy, Abuja, and several other victims of SGBV.

The journalist commended the MARF for its commitment to shedding light on the harrowing experiences of SGBV victims.

She also advocated for the creation of a court that will treat sexual offences, noting that such a move is important to tackle the menace of sexual abuse in the country.

“The statistics are alarming—a recent survey in Nigeria revealed that 31.4% of sexually active adolescent females and 5.7% of males experienced forced sex (rape) at sexual initiation,” Ike said.

“Shockingly, female adolescents living with HIV are disproportionately affected by this violence. It is truly heartbreaking when individuals, regardless of age or gender, fall victim to such abhorrent acts.

“Everyday, we are confronted with distressing accounts of girls and women enduring unspeakable trauma due to sexual violence.

“What is even more disturbing is the growing trend of perpetrators committing murder, killing their victims after these heinous acts—an act that must be condemned in the strongest terms.

“SGBV knows no boundaries—it transcends age, ethnicity, colour, socioeconomic status, and geography.”

Ike lamented that there had been a low prosecution rate for GBV perpetrators, noting that lawmakers should prioritise the enactment of laws that would help reduce this menace in society.

“Despite existing legislation imposing severe penalties for SGBV offences, prosecution rates remain dismally low. Victims often shy away from reporting due to fear of stigma and the arduous legal process,” she said.

“I am particularly troubled by the absence of a government-funded compensation scheme for victims of sexual and violent crimes in Nigeria.

“This is a critical gap that demands urgent attention from our policymakers.

“Furthermore, civil society organisations such as the Men Against Rape Foundation play a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of SGBV victims and ensuring they receive the justice and support they deserve.”