Surviving sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) often brings lasting emotional and mental scars. Even after physical wounds heal, feelings of fear, shame, guilt, anxiety, and depression can persist impacting relationships, work, and everyday life in profound ways. Trauma doesn’t just go away on its own. It requires compassionate, informed support that looks beyond the surface.
Unfortunately, in many parts of Nigeria, trauma-informed mental health services are far too few and far from reach especially in rural areas. Places like Plateau and Yobe may have only a handful of trained counselors, leaving most survivors without the care they need, and increasing the risk of isolation and hopelessness.
That’s why it’s so critical to integrate mental health into SGBV recovery. Survivors need access to safe spaces, psycho-education, coping strategies, group support, and consistent, trained professional help. Organizations that embed these services—such as mobile outreach teams and confidential peer-support groups—have reported significantly better outcomes when compared to those who only offer medical or legal assistance.
We can all play a part in expanding this support. Survivors deserve immediate connection to published counsellors or psychologists. Our communities should foster survivor-led support spaces to reduce loneliness and build resilience. Frontline personnel like police officers, health workers, and staff at Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) must be trained in psychological first aid. We need more dedicated counsellors and social workers within SARC teams and NGOs. And healing must reach every corner—through remote, mobile, or telehealth services making mental health care accessible even to those living outside urban centers.
Legally, the VAPP Act of 2015 recognizes the importance of holistic care. It guarantees survivors free access to medical attention, legal support, psychosocial counselling, and protective services. You can access the full VAPP Act here.
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can call our trained caseworkers at HerStoryOurStory NG at 0806 429 2526. Our hotline offers confidential counseling referrals, crisis support, and safety planning, and we can connect you to local SARCs that include mental health services. Some community-based partners also offer similar support with sensitivity and respect.
Healing from SGBV means more than navigating justice or medical care it’s about regaining one’s sense of self, stability, and hope. And rebuilding mental well-being is often the hardest yet most vital part of that journey. If you’re struggling, overwhelmed, or just want someone to talk to, remember: you are not alone, and recovery is possible.