A tale of two cases: Institutional response to sexual violence in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Sexual Violence (SV) is a severely traumatic experience that largely and disproportionately affects women and children. It is a global phenomenon that is grossly under reported as most assailants are known to the survivors. In Nigeria, the issue is made worse because of the culture of silence around the phenomenon, worsening underreporting and care. This report highlights some of the issues in the management of such cases in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital and emphasizes the need for a formal guideline to govern the care of survivors.