The Link Between Out-of-School Children and Child Abuse

The link between the number of out-of-school children and the prevalence of child abuse is well established. Children who are not in school are at a higher risk of being subjected to various forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation, trafficking, child labor, and physical violence. They are often found hawking on the streets, working in hazardous conditions, or being exploited for domestic labor, making them easy targets for abusers. According to recent data, Lagos has a significant population of out-of-school children, a situation that demands immediate government intervention.

By denying children access to education, society inadvertently perpetuates a cycle of poverty and vulnerability that exposes them to greater risks of abuse. Education is not just a fundamental right; it is a powerful tool that empowers children, equips them with knowledge, and provides a protective environment that reduces their exposure to harmful practices. If we are to seriously address child abuse in Lagos, then prioritizing education must be at the forefront of government policies.

The Need for Adequate Funding for Education

The Lagos State Government must increase budgetary allocation for education to meet the growing demands of a rapidly expanding population. While the government has taken steps in recent years to improve the education sector, these efforts are not enough to address the systemic challenges that leave many children out of school and vulnerable to abuse.

An increased budget for education will enable the government to:

1. Build More Schools: With many existing schools overcrowded and lacking essential facilities, there is an urgent need for the construction of new schools across the state, especially in underdeveloped areas. This will reduce the distance children need to travel to attend school, thus lowering the risk of being exposed to street hawking and other forms of exploitation.
2. Provide Free and Compulsory Education: Allocating more funds to ensure that education is not only free but also truly accessible to every child in Lagos
   is vital. The government must eliminate hidden costs that deter low-income families from sending their children to school.
3. Improve Teacher Training and Welfare: Quality education is dependent on well-trained and motivated teachers. The government should invest in continuous
   professional development for teachers and improve their working conditions to retain skilled educators who can deliver quality education to our children.

Enforcement of Strict Laws Against Child Hawking

Child hawking remains one of the most visible indicators of child abuse and neglect in Nigeria. Despite existing laws against child labor, enforcement remains weak, with many children seen selling goods on the streets of Lagos, often during school hours. These children are exposed to dangers such as sexual predators, traffickers, and accidents. The government must enact and strictly enforce laws that ban child hawking and other forms of child labor. This includes setting up task forces to ensure compliance and establishing rehabilitation programs for families who rely on child labor for survival. Such programs should provide financial support and vocational training to parents to enable them to generate income without depending on the labor of their children.

Strengthening the Legal Framework to Protect Children

Beyond increasing funding for education and banning child hawking, there is a need for a more robust legal framework that explicitly protects children from abuse and holds perpetrators accountable. The Lagos State House of Assembly should:

1. Amend Existing Child Protection Laws: Strengthen the penalties for those found guilty of child abuse, child sexual exploitation, and child labor to serve as a deterrent to others.
2. Implement and Monitor Child Rights Laws: Ensure that the provisions of the Child Rights Act, which Lagos has domesticated, are fully implemented and monitored at all levels of government.
3. Establish Special Courts for GBV Cases: Create specialized courts to handle cases of gender-based violence, child abuse, and sexual exploitation with speed and efficiency. This will reduce the backlog of cases and provide quicker justice to survivors.

Calling on the Judiciary, Politicians, and Society

The judiciary has a critical role in ensuring that justice is served for victims of child abuse. The courts must act decisively in cases involving children, providing not only legal remedies but also recommending psychological and social support for victims. The legal system should not retraumatize survivors; instead, it should facilitate their healing and reintegration into society.

Politicians and leaders across all levels should also champion the cause of education and child protection. Policies that prioritize the welfare of children and
education must be central to their agenda. Politicians need to use their platforms to advocate for the allocation of more resources to education and to raise awareness
about the dangers of child abuse and exploitation. However, curbing child abuse is not solely the responsibility of the government. Society as a whole has a role to play. Parents, community leaders, civil society organizations, and religious institutions must work together to protect children and promote a culture that values education and condemns abuse. Community members should be encouraged to report cases of abuse and neglect, and there should be adequate support systems in place for those who come forward.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The future of Lagos lies in the hands of its children, and it is our collective responsibility to protect them from harm and give them the opportunities they need to thrive. The Lagos State Government must prioritize education as a fundamental strategy for curbing child abuse and child sexual exploitation. By increasing funding for education, enforcing laws against child labor, and strengthening the legal framework to protect children, we can create a safer environment where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

The time for action is now. Let us not wait for another tragedy before we act decisively. We call on the Lagos State Government, the House of Assembly, the judiciary, politicians, and every Nigerian to stand up and take meaningful steps to protect our children. Together, we can ensure that every child in Lagos has access to quality education and a future free from abuse.

Written by
Funke Ijayekunle
Founder and ED
Heartminders Initiative

1. Immediate Safety: If you are in immediate danger or need medical attention, call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital.
2. Find a Safe Space: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or support organization to provide emotional support and a safe space to share your experience.
3. Preserve Evidence: Avoid washing, changing clothes, or bathing, as it may destroy valuable evidence. Preserve any clothing, bedding, or items involved in the incident.
4. Seek Medical Care: Visit a healthcare provider or a sexual assault center for a medical examination. Even if there are no visible injuries, it is essential to document any evidence of the assault.
5. Report to Law Enforcement: Contact the police to file an official report. Be prepared to provide details about the incident, location, and the perpetrator.
6. Legal Assistance: Consider seeking legal counsel to understand your rights and options throughout the legal process.
7. Support Services: Reach out to local rape crisis centers or helplines for emotional support, counseling, and guidance during this difficult time.
8. Confidentiality: Be aware of your rights regarding confidentiality and privacy during the reporting process.
9. Self-Care: Take care of your emotional and mental well-being. Seek therapy or counseling to help cope with the trauma of the incident.
10. Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the laws and procedures related to reporting a rape case in your jurisdiction.

Remember, reporting a rape case can be emotionally challenging, but you are not alone. Reach out for support, and remember that seeking justice is your right.

Embracing the truth that “it is not your fault” is a liberating and empowering realization. Society’s deeply ingrained patriarchal norms often fuel victim-blaming attitudes, silencing survivors and perpetuating cycles of abuse. However, by breaking the silence, survivors take back their power and shed the weight of undeserved guilt. We must rally around survivors, offering unwavering support and understanding, fostering an environment where they feel safe to share their experiences without judgment.

Together, we can challenge the toxic beliefs that condone abuse and work towards dismantling the structures that enable it to persist. Empowering victims to speak up helps expose the prevalence of abuse and encourages others to stand up against such injustices. Remember, it takes immense strength to confront the trauma of abuse, and no one should face it alone. By standing together, we can create a compassionate and empathetic society, one where survivors are heard, believed, and supported on their journey to healing. Let us join hands and break the chains of silence, working towards a world where no one ever has to bear the burden of abuse alone, and where the message “it is not your fault” resounds loudly and clearly.

One solution lies in raising awareness and educating the community about the importance of mental health. Public campaigns and advocacy efforts can help dispel myths and misconceptions, fostering empathy and understanding. Offering accessible and inclusive mental health services is crucial, ensuring survivors have a safe space to seek professional help without judgment.

Moreover, fostering a culture of open communication and empathy can empower survivors to share their experiences without shame. Society must stop shaming people for their mental health issues and instead offer encouragement, validation, and support. By acknowledging the significance of mental health, we create a more compassionate and resilient society, one that values the holistic well-being of every individual, including survivors of rape. Together, let us break the silence and prioritize mental health, paving the way for healing, empowerment, and a brighter future for all.

Being our brother’s keeper means standing up for those who cannot do so for themselves. By speaking out against abuse and reporting suspicious behavior, we can prevent harm and protect potential victims. The reality is that an abuser on the loose today may target someone we care about tomorrow.

Empowering ourselves with knowledge, challenging harmful cultural norms, and demanding justice are essential steps in creating a society where bystanders actively intervene to protect others. Together, we can foster an environment where silence is replaced by courageous action, and everyone plays a part in keeping our communities safe. Let us be vigilant, compassionate, and proactive, saying something when we see something, because a united community is our most potent weapon against abuse and injustice.

From teaching sex education in schools to leading sensitization  walk, conducting research and supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse through therapy and getting justice, my team and I are amplifying marginalized voices in Nigeria. It is my joy to therefore introduce to you Sexual Abuse Referral Centers (SARCs) in Nigeria. SARCs gives aid to victims of sexual and domestic violence, they work closely with the Juvenile Women’s and Children’s Units (JWCUs), Family Support Unit (FSU) and …gender Desks of the Nigerian Police.

Since 2013, over 10, 000 people have walked into, and used the services of 15 SARCs that have been established in 11 states nationwide. SARC Services include:

1. Confidentiality, Privacy and focus on victims
2. Immediate emergency medical treatment
3. Forensic medical examination services
4. Advice on STIs and the risk of pregnancy
5. Immediate counseling support
6. Help in contacting the police, Social welfare department or CSOs on request.
7. Advice and support throughout police investigations.

Find a complete directory of SARCs here: www.herstoryourstory.ng

We cannot afford to do nothing and I believe that the combine efforts of @ngbritish and @euinnigeria will stir action that will cause changes. which ultimately will help create more SARCs that are not only conducive and safe for but also free and easily accessible for survivors. Join me @funkeoguntuga and other duty bearers to teach responsibly against stigmas, re-educate ourselves and our children!

To lend our voice on the subject matter, the Heartminders Advancement Initiative in collaboration with Africa Polling Institute (API) embarked on this survey to gather firsthand information from students of tertiary institutions. A total of 2,036 contacts were attempted with 1,642 interviews completed (response rate 81 percent), all respondents were aged 18 and older. All interviews were conducted between August 6^th and August 20^th 2019, by Face-to-Face Household Interviews, using a random sampling technique. The interviews were conducted in six tertiary institutions in Lagos state, which include: University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Yaba College of Technology (YABATEC), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Federal College of Education (TECHNICAL) Akoka (FCTAKOKA), and Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Ijanikin (AOCOED).

Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria have been at the spotlight in recent times, with increasing allegations of varying degrees of sexual harassments and abuses on campuses. It has been perceived that these institutions have shown little efforts in addressing the issue. Sometimes these institutions have rebuffed these cases on the foundation that they are all lies and consequently, students who reported such cases are further victimized by these same institutions. Based on this, the survey sought to gather data from respondents to truly unravel if rape and sexual abuse in Nigerian tertiary institutions is a myth or a fact, and also, if it is a fact, to find out the prevalence of rape and sexual abuse in these tertiary institutions and who are the major perpetrators of these acts.

In unravelling the prevalence of rape and sexual abuse in institutions, the survey revealed that there is a high prevalence of rape and sexual abuse on campuses of TIs in Nigeria across the six TIs in the focus of the survey. Findings in describing the prevalence of sexual abuse in Tis revealed that majority of respondents (61%) described the prevalence of sexual abuse as either ‘Somewhat Prevalent’ (29%) or ‘Very Prevalent’ (32%); while 39% considered the prevalence of sexual abuse as ‘Not at all prevalent’ (14%) or ‘Not Prevalent’ (25%). Further disaggregation of the analysis revealed the same result across gender, age-groups and tertiary institutions. In addition, in describing the prevalence of rape in TIs in Nigeria, interestingly, a slight majority of the respondents (56%) described the prevalence of rape as either ‘Somewhat Prevalent’ (29%) or ‘Very Prevalent’ (27%); while (44%) considered the prevalence of rape as ‘Not at all prevalent’ (16%) or ‘Not Prevalent’ (28%). Further disaggregation of the data across all TIs showed that on the average, about 56% of the respondents across all TIs described the prevalence of rape as either “somewhat prevalent” (28%) or “very prevalent” (28%).

From the survey, in unravelling the category of victims of rape and sexual abuse in Tis, findings showed that the vast majority of the respondents (79%) across all TIs indicated that the major victims of rape and sexual abuse on campuses are the female students. Interestingly, 8% of respondents across all TIs indicated that lecturers (male and female) are sometimes victims of rape and sexual abuse while 7% of respondents indicated that the male students are victims of rape and sexual abuse. More findings under this revealed that majority of the respondents (61%) indicated the victims were raped by lecturers and cultists, while the remaining (39%) indicated that the victims were sexually harassed and molested.

Investigation into who the major perpetrators of rape and sexual abuse in Tis, revealed that majority of the respondents (33%) indicated that ‘cult members’ are the major perpetrators of sexual abuse and rape in TIs; this was followed closely by 29% of respondents who indicated that ‘male students’ are the major perpetrators of sexual abuse and rape in Nigeria. Interestingly, 21% of respondents highlighted that lecturers of TIs are the major perpetrators of sexual abuse and rape in TIs, and lastly, 14% of respondents indicated that female students are major perpetrators of sexual abuse and rape in TIs. These findings imply that sexual abuse or rape is not an act carried out by the male gender alone, but by both the male and female gender and it is not particular to any.

Furthermore, when cross-tabulating the data by some socio-demographics, some arousing findings were revealed. For instance, respondents who highlighted ‘cult members’ as the major perpetrators of sexual abuse and rape in TIs were seen more in LASPOTECH (50%), and AOCOED (41%). Respondents who indicated ‘lecturers’ as major perpetrators were seen more in YABATEC (25%), UNILAG (24%) and FCTAKOKA (23%). While those who indicated ‘female students’ are perpetrators of sexual abuse and rape were found mainly in UNILAG (22%).

Investigation into unravelling the reasons for the high prevalence of rape and sexual abuse in Tis highlighted that across all TIs, majority of respondents (63%) are of the opinion that ‘inappropriate and indecent dressing’ is the major reason why sexual abuse and rape is common on campuses of TIs in Nigeria. However, 36% of respondents were of the opinion that: ‘drugs abuse’ (15%), ‘uncontrollable sex urge’ (12%), ‘peer pressure’ (5%), and ‘cultism’ (4%) are among the top major reasons for the high prevalence of sexual abuse and rape in TIs in Nigeria. Other reasons given by respondents were ‘indiscipline by some students and lecturers’ (4%), and ‘inadequate security within campuses in TIs’ (4%).

In summary, the survey has brought to light the prevalence of rape and sexual abuse in Nigerian Tis; an act majorly carried out by cultists and lecturers in TIs. It has also shown that female students are the major victims of rape and sexual abuse in Tis in Nigeria. All these point to the fact that rape and sexual abuse in Tis in Nigeria is a fact and not a myth. Therefore, a large chunk of responsibility is vested upon authorities of Tis to rise up and address this issue decisively.

Authorities in TIs should provide guidelines on the conduct of staff, ensure staff of TIs conduct themselves properly, and follow these guidelines when discharging their respective duties. They should be serious in handling allegations on rape and sexual abuses on campuses by thoroughly investigating cases tabled against the conduct of their staffs and ensure victims are well protected and not victimized during this process. This will go a long way to address the issue of fear and victimization usually faced by students.

Authorities in TIs should work hand in hand with relevant security agencies to provide adequate security around the school environment and even outside the school environment in order to address the issue of cultism and curb their activities.

CSOs, Rights Groups, and relevant stakeholders should intensify efforts to stop rape and sexual abuse through public enlightenment in order to reduce stigmatization; and develop strategies to advocate against rape and sexual abuse in the society. Also, proper counselling should be given to victims and encourage them on the need to speak up so offenders can be properly prosecuted accordingly.

Finally, authorities in government should show more commitment to end rape by reviewing legislation on rape and sexual abuse; implementing and ensuring laws on rape and sexual abuse are executed fully.

Dr. Bell Ihua

Executive Director, Africa Polling Institute (API)

Our professional profile has grown and evolved over the last 8 years, and now it is time for a change. We have altered our logo to reflect who we are today and to symbolize our dynamic future.

The core element remains the same, the logo represents two persons in a heart to heart conversation. The colour purple means; deep, compassion, respectable while the pink represents love, feminine and respect.

We respectfully ask all our new partners to contact us via mail to get this new logo. We’re really excited about it, and would love to hear what you think in the comments below!

Thank you and kind regards.

International Day of the Girl will mark the beginning of a year-long effort to bring together partners and stakeholders to advocate for, and draw attention and investments to, the most pressing needs and opportunities for girls to attain skills for employability.