Justice should not be a maze. Survivors deserve clear paths, not endless hurdles
Justice is often the difference between healing and despair for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). When survivors summon the courage to report abuse, they are seeking more than recognition of their pain. They want accountability, protection, and the assurance that the system stands with them. Yet, too often, the court process in Nigeria has been slow, intimidating, and inaccessible, leaving many survivors without closure.
To change this reality, Nigerian courts must be strengthened to respond more effectively and compassionately to SGBV cases. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done in ways that prioritize survivors’ dignity.
One critical step is to fast-track SGBV cases. Long trial delays compound survivors’ trauma and discourage reporting. By creating special procedures or assigning designated SGBV courts, cases can be resolved more quickly, sending a clear message that survivors matter.
Courtrooms also need to become survivor-centered. Survivors should not have to fear intimidation or re-traumatization during proceedings. Measures such as private testimony, trauma-informed training for judges and staff, and survivor support services within court environments can make a significant difference.
Access to justice must never depend on a survivor’s financial situation. Expanding legal aid services, particularly in rural areas, ensures that survivors who cannot afford a lawyer are not excluded from justice. This helps level the playing field and makes the law truly protective of all.
Court procedures also need to be simplified. Many survivors are unfamiliar with legal language and complex processes, which can feel overwhelming. Offering translation services, using plain language, and streamlining processes can remove barriers that keep survivors from pursuing justice.
Finally, courts must build accountability and trust. Each judgment delivered fairly and swiftly sends a strong signal to society that violence will not be tolerated and that survivors will be defended. When survivors see justice being done, it not only restores their dignity but also inspires confidence in the system.
For Nigeria to end SGBV effectively, its courts must rise to the task of delivering justice that is timely, compassionate, and accessible. Survivors deserve more than sympathy. They deserve action, protection, and the assurance that their voices will be heard. A stronger justice system means safer communities for all.