What to Do After a Rape or Sexual Assault: A Step-by-Step Nigerian Survivor's Guide

Recently, rape cases have been on the rise. If you’ve been glued to the news or scrolling through social media, you’ve likely seen one case after another trend with names circulating, outrage pouring in, and timelines dissecting what went wrong. 

For a few days, everyone talks, and then it quiets down. But for survivors, it never really goes quiet.

In Nigeria, the Mirabel Centre — the country’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre — has provided medical and psychosocial support to over 10,000 survivors since it opened. That’s 10,000 stories. 10,000 moments of fear. 10,000 people are trying to make sense of something that should never have happened.

Globally, the numbers are even more sobering. UNICEF estimates that more than 79 million girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa alone have experienced rape or sexual assault in childhood. 

So beyond the outrage and trending conversations, what happens next?

If someone has just experienced rape or sexual assault, what should they actually do?

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If an assault just happened, your immediate safety matters most. Find a safe environment away from danger. If you can, call someone you trust — a friend, family member, or someone who can be with you physically. You do not have to go through this alone.

Shock can make everything feel blurry. That’s normal. Focus on one thing: getting somewhere safe.

Just as important and hard to consider in that moment is medical help. Even if you don’t have visible injuries, doctors can provide care for internal injuries, prevent infections, discuss emergency contraception, and more.

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Even if you feel physically "fine", medical care is strongly recommended. A medical professional can:

• Treat injuries

• Test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Offer emergency contraception

• Document evidence

• Offer HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within a specific time window.

Many hospitals have trained professionals (often called 'sexual assault nurse examiners'). You control the process, so you can say yes or no to any part.

The exam may include:

• Collecting clothing

• Swabs for DNA

• Photographs of injuries

• Documentation of your statement

This kit can be stored even if you’re not ready to report.

You may receive:

• STI prevention medication

• Emergency contraception

• Injury treatment

• Follow-up care instructions

Your health is the priority. Even if you’re unsure about reporting to the police, you can still receive medical care. Your health comes first.

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If the assault happened recently, it’s often advised – if you can manage it – to avoid the following:

• bathing or showering,

• brushing teeth,

• changing clothes,

• eating or drinking,

• cleaning anything touched.

Why? Because forensic evidence, traces of DNA and other clues, can be collected later if you choose to have an examination. If you already did these things, that’s okay. You can still seek care and report.

Place clothing in a paper bag (not plastic). Bring it to the hospital if possible. Again, this is your choice.

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After a sexual assault, many people feel pressured to report immediately. Others feel terrified at the thought. Both reactions are valid.

Reporting is your decision.

In Nigeria, centres like Mirabel allow survivors to receive treatment and counselling, whether or not they decide to involve law enforcement.

You can also call or message NAPTIP (National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons) via their toll-free hotlines, 627 and 07030000203. 

They handle rape cases, particularly through their specialised Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Department. They are mandated to investigate, arrest, and prosecute sexual violence offenders, offering support, counselling, and protection services to victims/survivors of rape and other sexual offences.

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Healing after a sexual assault isn’t only about the body. It’s about what happens in the mind and the heart.

Trauma may feel heavy, confusing, or even numbing. These reactions are not signs of weakness; they’re normal ways that humans process overwhelming experiences. Speaking to a counsellor, therapist, or trained support worker can:

• help you make sense of what happened,

• provide tools for coping,

• offer a safe space to express feelings.

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Every survivor’s path is different. Some steps you might consider after the first week include:

• follow-up medical care,

• exploring long-term mental health support,

• connecting with friends or trusted mentors,

• learning about legal rights and options in your country.

There is no timeline for healing. Some days will be easier, and some days will be heavy, and both are okay.

Right after an assault, your mind and body may feel disconnected. Some survivors describe it as floating outside their bodies. Others feel frozen, shaky, or strangely calm.

You might cry uncontrollably or not cry at all. Both are normal. Trauma triggers survival instincts. Your brain shifts into protection mode. That can look like:

• Memory gaps

• Confusion

• Sudden anger

• Shame (even though it’s not your fault)

• Hyper-alertness

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You may experience:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Fear of being alone

• Fear of being touched

• Irritability

• Loss of interest in things you once loved

Trauma reshapes your sense of safety. That takes time to rebuild. These grounding techniques can help with anxiety and flashbacks:

• Deep breathing

• Naming five things you see

• Holding ice or focusing on physical sensations

• Slow body movement

These bring you back to the present moment.

If you’ve experienced rape or sexual assault, nothing about what happened is your fault. Not what you wore. Not where you were. Not what you drank. Not how you responded.

You survived something traumatic. That takes strength, even if you don’t feel strong right now. The steps outlined here are options, not obligations. Choose what feels safe. Move at your pace. Ask for help when you’re ready.

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No. Reporting is entirely your choice. Evidence can sometimes be collected and stored while you decide.

Yes. You can and should still seek medical attention. Evidence may still exist, and your health remains the priority.

Yes, but it’s misplaced guilt. Responsibility lies 100% with the perpetrator.

There’s no set timeline. Healing varies for everyone. Therapy and support can significantly help recovery.

Absolutely. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. Support and resources are available for all survivors.