The Awyetu Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at the Bwari General Hospital, Abuja, handled a total of 345 cases from 2020 to 2024.
The statistic was provided by the Mandate Secretary for the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, by Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, during a visit by a special representative from the United Nations dedicated to the protection of children from violence.
She pointed out that an overwhelming 84 percent of the reported cases involved children and adolescents under the age of 18, underscoring the urgent need for targeted intervention and protective measures for vulnerable populations.
Mrs. Benjamins-Laniyi emphasized the importance of collaboration with security agencies, advocating for a robust approach to ensure that perpetrators of these crimes are held accountable.
She also stressed the essential role of community engagement, highlighting the necessity for residents and leaders to actively support the center’s initiatives and create a safer environment for all.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who oversees Health Services and the Environment in the FCT, shared insights into the establishment of the center, which commenced operations in 2020.
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Dr. Fasawe, who was represented by Dr. Baba-Gana Adam during the visit, elaborated on the support the center received from the British Council and the European Union.
According to Dr. Fasawe, the facility was designed to provide comprehensive medical, psychological, and legal assistance to survivors of sexual violence, ensuring they receive holistic care.
Medical Director of Bwari General Hospital, Dr. Ibrahim Mijinyawa, provided a breakdown of the cases handled, revealing that out of the 345 total cases documented, 313 were female, accounting for approximately 90.7 percent of the incidents, while 32 involved male survivors, representing about 9.3 percent.
Alarmingly, he noted that a significant majority, 289 cases, involved individuals aged 19 and younger, highlighting the critical need for preventative and protective measures aimed at this demographic.
The center’s Manager, Dr. Bejide Augustine, reported that since the beginning of January, there have been 18 new cases, comprising 16 females and two males, with an overwhelming 17 of those survivors being minors.
This statistic reinforces the ongoing challenges faced by the center and the pressing need for community awareness and response strategies.
