Dear Reader,
Welcome to the WARIF Survivor Stories Series, a monthly feature where stories of survivors of rape and sexual violence are shared to motivate and encourage survivors to speak their truth without the fear of judgment or stigmatisation and to educate the public on the sheer magnitude of this problem in our society. The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) is a non-profit organisation set up in response to the extremely high incidence of rape, sexual violence, and human trafficking of young girls and women in our society. WARIF is tackling this issue through a holistic approach that covers health, education, and community service initiatives.
WARIF aids survivors of rape and sexual violence through the WARIF Centre – a haven where trained professionals are present full-time, 6 days a week, including public holidays, to offer immediate medical care, forensic medical examinations, psychosocial counselling, and welfare services, which include shelter, legal aid, and vocational skills training. These services are provided FREE of charge to any survivor who walks into the Centre.
EBUBE’S STORY: RECLAIMING HOPE AND STRENGTH AFTER ASSAULT
My name is Ebubechukwu, and I am 26 years old. I am a survivor of sexual assault. I was referred to the WARIF Centre for medical assessment, treatment, and counselling after I reported the case to the police.
I work in a hospital and have known the perpetrator, a doctor, since 2018. We were friends, and I even knew his fiancée. Over the years, we developed a close friendship, and I trusted him because he had always respected my boundaries. I had spent some nights in his room before, but nothing inappropriate had ever happened. I never imagined that someone I trusted so deeply could hurt me in such a way.
The assault occurred one night about a year ago when he called me to collect a patient’s injection. When I arrived, he told me he had “fooled” me so I could spend time with him in his room. I immediately turned to leave, but he insisted I stay. When I went to lock my door for privacy, he took my phone from me to ensure I could not leave. Once I lay down on the bed, he locked the door and raped me. I felt trapped, terrified, and powerless, unsure of how to protect myself from someone I considered a friend.
Following the assault, I experienced intense emotional and psychological distress. I blamed myself, felt shame, and questioned my judgment. I began experiencing panic attacks, flashbacks, fear, loss of control, and feelings of low self-worth. I struggled to concentrate at work and avoided social interactions. These were all symptoms of Rape Trauma Syndrome, and I did not know how to begin healing.
I was referred to the WARIF Centre, where I received immediate medical examinations, laboratory tests, and psychosocial counselling free of charge. The counsellor who attended to me at WARIF helped me to begin my healing journey in a safe, non-judgmental space where I could share my story. She reassured me that what happened to me was not my fault and that the responsibility lay entirely with the perpetrator. Through counselling, I learned coping strategies to manage flashbacks, regulate my emotions, and rebuild my sense of self-worth.
I was also privileged to participate in monthly Group Therapy Sessions, a confidential support system for survivors. Meeting others who had experienced similar trauma gave me a sense of belonging and reminded me that I was not alone. We shared our stories, encouraged each other, and celebrated small milestones in our healing journeys. These sessions helped me regain confidence, rebuild self-esteem, and develop hope for the future. We were also given further coping techniques to assist us in our healing journey.
Thanks to the support of WARIF and the police, the perpetrator was arrested and brought to justice. Knowing that he could no longer harm anyone else gave me a sense of closure and relief. I also learned that other survivors who were previously afraid to speak up felt empowered to come forward once the case was reported.
Today, I continue to work on my emotional and psychological well-being. I have learned to trust myself again, and I am stronger and more resilient than I ever thought possible. I have returned to my daily life and work with renewed focus and purpose. The journey has not been easy, but with the support of WARIF, I have been able to reclaim my life and regain control over my future.
I am deeply grateful to WARIF, its staff, and management for providing holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of survivors. Their support has transformed my pain into strength, and their compassion has helped me see that healing is possible.
For survivors like me, hope is not lost. With the right support, guidance, and care, it is possible to rise above trauma and rebuild a life of dignity, confidence, and purpose.
*Real name of the Survivor changed for confidentiality
Dear Survivor, please know that you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Help is available. If you have been raped or know someone who has, please visit us at:
The WARIF Centre
6, Turton Street, off Thorburn Avenue, Sabo, Yaba.
Or call our 24-hour confidential helpline on
0800-9210-0009
