Joy Shokoya, a Psychosocial Counsellor and Center Manager at Mirabel Centre in Lagos has addressed the alarming rate of child sexual exploitation in Nigeria. Focusing on the psychological and societal impacts of child exploitation, she talked about the challenges of identifying abuse and the need to create safe spaces for victims.
Speaking as a guest on News Central’s TV show Jasiri, Joy Shokoya weighed in on the story of a 4-year-old identified as Sarah who was sexually exploited by her father who posted inappropriate photos of the minor on social media.
News Central reports that pictures and videos of the minor in inappropriate outfits posing seductively circulated the internet, sparking widespread outrage from netizens who called on the police to have the father arrested for child exploitation and abuse.
Describing the situation as sad, Shokoya pointed out that it was disheartening to know there is a community that condones such acts. She said the Mirabel Centre has seen over 8,000 survivors since ten years of its establishment with 90% of them being children aged 0-12 years.
When asked about signs to look out for as guardians and parents to ensure your child’s safety, Shokoya said changes in behavioural patterns, pain in the genital areas and emotional changes should be noted.
She added that children need the listening ears of their parents to easily pick up helpful information that can be used to protect the child.
She urged parents and well-meaning adults to be vigilant, admonishing them to take action against child sexual exploitation and other forms of child abuse prevalent in society.
Watch the full interview below
