Teenage Survivor Details Eight-Year Sexual Abuse by Father, Justice Delayed
A 19-year-old survivor has courageously shared her harrowing experience of alleged sexual abuse by her father, which spanned over eight years, beginning when she was just seven years old and continuing until she turned 15. She recounted this traumatic ordeal during an interaction with journalists at the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation facility in Abuja, where survivors of sexual and gender-based violence gathered to share their stories and discuss the challenges they face in seeking justice.
Initial Dismissal and Family Pressure
Initially, the survivor's attempts to report the abuse were met with disbelief from her mother, who dismissed her claims as childish. Even when her mother witnessed an incident firsthand, the matter was not pursued after her father pleaded for forgiveness, citing the need to preserve their marriage. The survivor described how the abuse was often accompanied by physical violence whenever she resisted, leaving her injured and traumatized.
She documented her experiences in a diary, detailing the abuse and pain over the years. Eventually, she confided in a friend, which led her to connect with the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation. She stated, "I was sexually abused by my father for nine years, from the age of seven to the age of 15. And whenever I don't let him have his way, he would beat and injure me because he's angry."
Regarding her mother's response, she added, "When I told my mother about it, she said I'm just a child and I don't know what I'm saying. One day, my mother saw when my father was sexually abusing me. She took her phone and wanted to call my father's people. But my father begged her, so she forgave him. She said if she reports the matter, it could affect her marriage."
Slow Pace of Justice and Ongoing Family Pressure
Despite reporting the case, the survivor lamented the slow pace of justice, noting that the last update she received was about three years ago. She revealed that family pressure persists, with her mother urging her to return home under the claim that her father has changed. At one point, she even had to sit in the same car with her father, who asked her to drop the case.
Now 19, the survivor expressed gratitude for the support from the foundation, which helped her through one of the most difficult periods of her life. She said, "What I wanted at that time was just a place where I could sleep peacefully without fear."
Another Mother's Experience with Law Enforcement
Also speaking at the event, Ifeoma Clement, mother of a teenage victim, recounted her distressing experience with law enforcement after reporting her daughter's case. Her daughter, who was 13 at the time, was assaulted and threatened into silence by the alleged perpetrator, who warned her she would die if she spoke. Clement explained that her daughter lived in fear for months before confiding in anyone.
When the case was reported, the police response was dismissive. Clement stated, "The officer said because she didn't report immediately, it meant she enjoyed it. That was painful to hear." She further alleged that the suspect, described as a manager at the establishment where the incident occurred, was treated leniently. Frustrated, she almost took matters into her own hands before being connected to the foundation, where she found hope and support.
Systemic Failures and Calls for Justice
Executive Director of the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, Dorothy Njemanze, highlighted systemic failures that continue to undermine justice for survivors. She noted that survivors often face re-traumatization when seeking help, and there is a significant gap in both prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence. Njemanze emphasized, "When expectations are not met by law enforcement, it weakens trust and emboldens perpetrators."
The foundation provides essential services such as counseling, legal guidance, and shelter for survivors, many of whom are women and children. However, many cases remain unresolved for years, with about 100 cases currently in court, some dating back to 2012. While there have been some convictions, many are still ongoing.
Njemanze called for stronger, survivor-centered systems and improved institutional accountability, stating, "We don't just want systems that look good; we want survivors to feel justice." This underscores the urgent need for reform to ensure that victims of abuse receive the support and justice they deserve.
