The Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Kafanchan, Jema’a local government area of Kaduna, says it recorded 77 cases in September.

The centre’s manager Grace Abbin disclosed this on Friday.

Ms Abbin stated that out of the number, five were rape cases, while 72 others were physical and emotional violence cases.

She decried the culture of silence in sexual assault cases, noting that relatives of perpetrators and victims always tried to frustrate the cases.

“We are particular about the best interest of the victims. In many rape cases, you find relatives and community leaders trying to silence the victim,” noted Ms Abbin. “You will see a father who has probably been bought by relatives of the perpetrator coming to say they have forgiven the perpetrator.”

She further stated, “They forget that rape is a case against the state, not even against an individual. People are more concerned about the perpetrators. Nobody seems to care about the victims and the after-effects of the abuse on them.”

The centre Manager called for greater synergy between the centre and security agencies, the media, and religious leaders in breaking the culture of silence over sexual assault cases, noting that “we are looking to break the culture of silence that is really affecting us in our society.”

“To do that, we need more support and cooperation of all stakeholders; otherwise, this will continue,” she said.

Ms Abbin advised victims to always report to the centre within three days of abuse to enable medical experts to extract key evidence needed to prosecute offenders.

The centre is one of four in Kaduna where victims of rape and other gender-based violence receive counselling, medical and optional legal interventions. 

(NAN)