How to access help following sexual assault

She never told anyone.

Not when her boyfriend coerced her into having sex.

Not when her neighbor harassed her and forced himself on her.

She stayed silent. She thought maybe it was her fault.

She believed she had led her boyfriend on, so when she said “stop" and her boyfriend didn't listen, it was her fault.

If she hadn’t passed that shortcut that day, she wouldn’t be a victim, and her neighbour wouldn't have cornered her. It was her fault, she thought, carrying the trauma alone for a long time.

Until one day, she read a book titled “ How to Access Help Following Assault.” 

Finally, someone could relate to her pain. She learned that help was possible even if it was years later. And slowly, she found the courage to take action by following these steps:

1. Visited a health center for screening.

Even years later, it’s possible to get tested for long-term effects of past trauma, including STDs and reproductive issues.

2.  Went to a SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre).

Free and confidential support is available at places like:

• Mirabel Centre (Lagos)

• WARIF Centre (Lagos)

• Tamar SARC (Bayelsa)

• CEHRT SARC (Kaduna)

• Médecins Sans Frontières Clinics (in some Northern states)

3. Considered reporting the assault.

Reporting is a personal choice but she reported it so that other children in her old neighbourhood won't be a victim.

4. Joined a support group.

Sharing with others who had similar experiences helped her feel less alone.

Some SARCs also provided free psychological counseling.

***

He was ashamed.

“What will people say?” he asked himself.

Who would believe that he, a man had been raped?

“You’re not a man.”

“You’re lying.”

Those were the words he imagined people would say to him.

So, he kept quiet. He didn’t allow himself to seek help not because he didn’t need it, but because of fear and stigma.

Then one day, he saw an anonymous tweet about male survivors, He followed the link and joined a mental health support group. Through that group, he was connected to a trauma-informed therapist.

People can access help in different ways, but what matters most is that they didn’t carry the trauma alone anymore.

You don’t have to either.

Whether it’s immediately after the assault or years later, Your story is valid, Your pain matters. And help is available.