Sexual Violence: Mirabel Centre records 10,000 survivors in 13 years

2026-02-03 - 17:28

Mirabel Centre, Nigeria’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), has recorded a major milestone with 10,000 survivors of sexual violence accessing care and support at the facility since it was established in 2013. The figure, announced on Monday, reflects both the growing confidence of survivors in seeking help and the continued prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence in the country. Many cases of sexual violence in Nigeria remain unreported due to stigma, fear, limited access to services, and challenges in securing justice. Mirabel Centre provides free, survivor-centred medical, psychosocial, forensic, and legal services to survivors of sexual violence, regardless of age, gender, or background. The Centre says it often serves as the first safe space where survivors are believed, protected, and treated with dignity. Founder of the Centre, Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba, described the milestone as both encouraging and sobering. “Reaching 10,000 survivors is a moment of impact and reflection. It shows that survivors trust us, but it also reminds us of the scale of sexual violence in our society and how much more work still needs to be done,” she said. In addition to emergency response services, Mirabel Centre is involved in prevention education, professional training, and advocacy aimed at strengthening survivor care, improving accountability, and achieving better long-term outcomes for victims of sexual violence. The Centre noted that the rising demand for its services highlights the urgent need for sustained funding, stronger policies, and coordinated action to address sexual and gender-based violence nationwide. Mirabel Centre called on government institutions, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, the private sector, and community leaders to treat sexual violence as a national emergency and prioritise survivor-centred responses. Established in 2013, Mirabel Centre is Nigeria’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre, providing free medical, psychosocial, forensic, and legal support to survivors of sexual violence across the country.