ABUJA – The Dean, faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ademola Ajuwon, has urged the media to champion the fight against sexual abuse in the country. Ajuwon made the call at a Media Professional Stakeholder’s meeting organised by a non-governmental organisation, Population Council, in Abuja on Thursday.
He said journalists should liaise with experts on sexual abuse, particularly among adolescents to inform and educate them on how to address the problem.
“Journalists should report latest research findings in ways that educate the public on the challenge posed by sexual abuse.
“They should set agenda for public discussion through accurate reporting in order to change stigma associated with rape in Nigeria. [eap_ad_1] “Adolescents are both victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse. Both males and females are affected by sexual abuse, but females are the worse hit,” he said.
According to him, rape is under-reported to law enforcement agencies, thereby making victims suffer in silence.
He said that a well-planned intervention could prevent and reduce impacts of sexual violence.
The Executive Director, Media Concern Initiative, Dr Princess Olufemi-Kayode, said that sexual violence should be addressed in all its ramifications.
Olufemi-Kayode, therefore, recommended the review of existing laws, training and update trainings as well as paradigm shift regarding cultural attitudes, beliefs and behaviour toward sexual violence.
She also said that there should be a comprehensive programming and need for an ongoing research to evaluate efficacy of programming to also address sexual violence nationwide. (NAN)
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