Sexual violence is defined as: any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work. Coercion can cover a whole spectrum of degrees of force. Apart from physical force, it may involve psychological intimidation, blackmail or other threats – for instance, the threat of physical harm, of being dismissed from a job or of not obtaining a job that is sought. It may also occur when the person aggressed is unable to give consent – for instance, while drunk, drugged, asleep or mentally incapable of understanding the situation. (World Health Organisation [WHO])

Definition : Child Sexual Abuse is the involvement of a child in sexual activity that he or she does not fully comprehend, is unable to give informed consent to, or for which the child is not developmentally prepared and cannot give consent, or that violate the laws or social taboos of society.

WHO 1999 - Child Sexual Abuse is evidenced by an activity between a child and an adult or another child who by age or development is in a relationship of responsibility, trust or power, the activity being intended to gratify or satisfy the needs of the other person. This may included but not is limited to the inducement or coercion of a child to engage in any unlawful sexual activity; the exploitative use of a child in prostitution or other unlawful sexual practices; the exploitative use of children in pornographic performances and materials.

Simply put child sexual is sexual abuse is an adult engaging a child in any form of sexual activity. However, there are times when sexual activity takes place between children. This form of Child Sexual Abuse is the most difficult to discover. One thing that remains outstanding however is that the abuser most times stronger than the victim. This can be as a result of size, age, status and power.

Rape is defined as physically forced or otherwise coerced penetration – even if slight – of the vulva or anus, using a penis, other body parts or an object. The attempt to do so is known as attempted rape.

Rape of a person by two or more perpetrators is known as gang rape

It is important to listen carefully to the child as they talk about the experience of sexual abuse.

Do not interrupt. Keep your countenance straight – no expressions of shock or disbelief. Keep those to yourself on the inside.

Report to a professional on way forward or report the matter to the police immediately, from the police station you will be given a medical form which will be used for medical examination at the hospital.

In Lagos, you can access Seven Family Support Units… Check our Sexual Violence Directory for support organisation closest to your location.

Do not stay silent and not let anyone. Silence fuels abuse and also you suffer Tell someone close to you that you trust. Try your best to avoid activities that can damage evidence such as bathing or taking a shower; changing clothes, cleaning the area, etc. These activities come naturally to mind after going through a traumatic experience. You can take along a change of clothing. In Nigeria, your location will determine maybe the Police Station, the Government Hospital or Rape Crisis Center/ Sexual Assault Referral Centre.