The government of Lagos State has charged rape victims to break the silence and speak out in order to receive assistance from the government and other concerned groups and individuals, in their quest for justice.
The commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Lola Akande, stated this during a familiarisation visit to Mirabel Centre, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), a centre for the rehabilitation of s3xually assaulted victims.
She stated rape victims must speak out and not conceal their ordeal, saying this would engender emotional healing, medical assistance and justice.
Acccording to her, it is when victims speak out and come to places like Mirabel Centre and her ministry that they can get the right help through counselling, medical care and access to justice, free of charge.
Akande urged the police and all other relevant security agencies to rise up and prosecute the perpetrators when reported, so that victims can get justice.
While condemning landlords, family members and prominent society members that always tried to shield rapists and perpetrators of s3xual abuse, she disclosed that henceforth people that tried to cover up or shield rapists would also be prosecuted according to the law.