Probably, the abuse or molestation of the boy child is worse when compared to the opposite sex counterpart. But, unlike the girl child, who has virtually everybody to mount campaign over her plight, the boy child is left to fight for himself. It is even considered in some places a taboo to discuss about boy child molestation in the open, a tradition that leaves the boy child victims of rape wallow in self- pity. Jumoke Olasunkanmi in this report looks at the vulnerability of the male child and society’s outlook on the growing prevalence of boy child molestation and sundry vices.
Case Study
“I was abused by a maid, she was in her twenties and I was just six years old at the time.
I didn’t tell anybody because I didn’t know I was being abused.
It went on for a very long time, until I went to boarding school when I was 11 years.
As at that time, I knew what rape and Sexual abuse is but I thought it could only happen to girls because every time I hear about it, it was always directed at girls” Olusina told Africa Health Report (AHR) as he recounted his experience as a victim of sexual molestation.
UNICEF
Child abuse and neglect represent a tragic reality for many children around the world, and Nigeria is no exception. Despite concerted efforts to address this issue, boys often remain an overlooked demographic in discussions surrounding child abuse. According to UNICEF, while 60 percent of children in Nigeria experience some form of abuse, a significant 10 percent of these victims are boys. These statistics shed light on a silent epidemic that demands urgent attention and action.
Alarming Statistics and Realities
The prevalence of boy child abuse in Nigeria is alarming. Statistics show that 1 in 8 boys is sexually abused before the age of one. What makes this even more distressing is the fact that many victims of sexual abuse, including millions of boys, never disclose their ordeal to anyone. This silence perpetuates the cycle of abuse, allowing perpetrators to continue their harmful actions with impunity.
Olusina earlier quoted, ascribed his silence to false societal stereotypes that dismisses boy child vulnerability.
“The first reaction you get when you come out as a boy to say that a woman raped you is not encouraging. People will laugh and find it hard to believe that a man can be raped, they will ask if you did not enjoy it.
I didn’t tell anybody about my issue because I didn’t want them to laugh it off or call me a liar and I think that is why most boys keep quiet”
The consequences of such abuse are devastating and long-lasting. UNICEF highlights the profound impact of sexual violence on victims, affecting both their physical and mental health. The World Health Organization warns that sexual abuse may impair a child’s development and well-being, leading to profound trauma and psychological distress that can persist into adulthood.
Despite these grim realities, the majority of abused children, including boys, do not receive the necessary support and counseling they desperately need. UNICEF reports that only five out of every 100 abused children receive adequate assistance, leaving the vast majority to grapple with their trauma in silence.
The Cycle of Abuse and Neglect
One of the most troubling aspects of boy child abuse and neglect is its potential to perpetuate a vicious cycle of victimization. Research conducted by the Lagos State Domestic Violence Response Team (DSVRT) sheds light on this phenomenon. In a survey of 131 male sex offenders serving jail terms for sexual molestation and child defilement, DSVRT found that 80.9 percent of the accused had themselves been victims of sexual molestation in the past.
This alarming statistic underscores the interconnectedness of abuse and neglect. When boys are subjected to abuse and neglect during their formative years, they are at increased risk of perpetuating similar acts of violence as they grow older. This cycle not only perpetuates the suffering of victims but also creates new generations of perpetrators, fueling a cycle of violence that is difficult to break.
Solutions and Interventions
Addressing boy child abuse and neglect in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses prevention, intervention, and support.
Lagos based psychologist, Ola Damilola in an interview with AHR explained that First and foremost, there must be greater awareness and education surrounding the issue, both within communities and among key stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and educators.
“First we need to educate people. When there is a problem, the first thing to do is inform, educate, create awareness to explain what is going on, how it can affect individuals and the society and the possible solutions available”
She added that robust child protection policies and legal frameworks must be implemented and enforced to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
“To do this, lawmakers must strengthen laws against child abuse and ensuring that victims have access to justice and support services.
There is also the critical need for comprehensive support and counseling services for victims of child abuse. This includes providing trauma-informed care and mental health support to help survivors heal from their experiences and break the cycle of abuse.
Finally, efforts to prevent boy child abuse and neglect, we must also address the root causes of violence, including poverty, inequality, and social norms that perpetuate harmful behaviors. By addressing these underlying factors, we can create safer and more nurturing environments for boys to grow and thrive.” She explained.
In conclusion, boy child abuse and neglect represent a grave and pervasive issue in Nigeria that demands urgent attention and action. By raising awareness, implementing effective interventions, and providing support to survivors, we can work towards a future where every child, regardless of gender, can grow up free from violence and abuse.
