A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mirabel Centre, has urged parents not to blame their children who were sexually assaulted.
In a statement issued on its Instagram handle -@mirabelcentreng, the NGO said that parents were usually devastated when they discover that their children have been sexually abused.
The NGO said that parents who find themselves in such situations should be supportive and not blame the victims.
โIt is crucial you believe and validate your childโs experience without blame or judgement.
โListen to their stories without interruption or doubt and reassure them that they did nothing wrong.โ
The Centre appealed to parents to create a safe environment for the survivors and respect their boundaries.
โEnsure that your child feels safe and supported. Reassure them that they are not to blame and that you are there to protect and support them.
โRespect their boundaries and give them the space and time they need to process their emotions,โ the statement stated.
The organisation urged parents to report and seek professional help from Mirabel Centre.
โReach out to qualified professional organisations like Mirabel Centre, where your child can get medical, legal and psycho-social support.
โWe work closely with law enforcement agencies, to ensure formal report is made and investigations are carried out.
โRemember you are not alone, there is support available to help you and your child navigate this difficult time,โ it stated.
It urged parents not to hesitate to seek support for themselves, whether from trusted friends, family members or therapists, as caring for a child who has been sexually abused can be emotionally challenging.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mirabel Centre is Nigeriaโs first Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which provides free support services for survivors of sexual assault at LASUTH, Ikeja, Lagos. (NAN)