Welcome to the WARIF Survivor Stories Series, a monthly initiative by the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) designed to amplify the voices of survivors of rape and sexual violence. This series aims to inspire and empower survivors to share their truths without fear of judgment or stigmatization, while also educating the public on the pervasive nature of this societal issue. WARIF, a non-profit organization established in response to the alarmingly high incidence of rape, sexual violence, and human trafficking affecting young girls and women, addresses this crisis through a comprehensive strategy encompassing health, education, and community service programs.

This week, the series spotlights Aisha, a 28-year-old survivor of sexual assault. Aisha recounts her experience, which began shortly after she relocated to a new neighborhood in Lagos. Her ordeal started when she sought assistance for a faulty phone and encountered a man named Jacob. He helped her locate a repair shop and even contacted the repairer on her behalf. Following this interaction, Jacob propositioned her for a relationship, which Aisha firmly declined. Despite her rejection, he began a relentless campaign of persistent calls, prompting Aisha to confront him and demand he cease contact. On a separate occasion, Jacob threatened her for rejecting him, a threat Aisha initially dismissed, unaware that he had begun stalking her and had discovered her home address.

Months later, while Aisha was at home, Jacob forced his way into her residence after she answered an unannounced knock at her door. He assaulted her, leaving her in severe pain and distress and unable to call for immediate help. In the aftermath, Aisha reached out to a friend, who provided support and accompanied her to report the incident to the police. The police, in turn, referred Aisha to the WARIF Centre for essential care and support.

At the WARIF Centre, Aisha received immediate, free-of-charge medical assessment, treatment, laboratory tests, and crucial psychosocial counseling. Her dedicated counselor created a safe and empathetic environment, allowing Aisha to openly share her traumatic experience. The counselor reinforced that the assault was unequivocally not her fault and equipped her with vital coping strategies to manage the fear, anxiety, and emotional distress she was experiencing. Through these counseling sessions, Aisha began to understand the profound impact of trauma and embarked on her journey toward healing.

Further aiding her recovery, Aisha joined the Group Therapy Sessions held at the Centre. These sessions fostered a sense of belonging among fellow survivors, proving instrumental in her ongoing healing process. She reports a significant transformation, having regained a sense of safety and emotional stability that was previously overshadowed by fear and worry, attributing this progress directly to her counseling sessions. Meanwhile, the police successfully apprehended Jacob, and the case has since been charged in court. Aisha expressed immense gratitude for the compassionate and professional care she received at WARIF, stating her hope for justice and her unwavering commitment to her healing journey. She commended the WARIF Centre staff and team for their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support, acknowledging that their work restores hope, strength, and dignity to countless lives.

The WARIF Centre serves as a vital sanctuary for survivors of rape and sexual violence, staffed full-time six days a week, including public holidays, by trained professionals. It provides a comprehensive suite of free services, including immediate medical care, forensic medical examinations, psycho-social counseling, and welfare services such as shelter, legal aid, and vocational skills training, all accessible to any survivor in need. This survivor story series is published in collaboration with BellaNaija, as part of their corporate social responsibility commitment to youth, education, healthcare, and community development.