Rape: Gombe Jurist makes case for children with Post-Traumatic Distress Disorder
Presiding Judge of Gombe Court of Appeal, Justice Hannatu Sankey has made case for victims of rape and other forms of abuse in Nigeria, adding that alot of children grow up with Post-Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTDD).
According to Sankey, those with cases of rape, violence and sexual assault are on the increase with many resulting in heartbreaking fatalities, with development impediments.
Periscope Nigeria reports that PTDD disorder is characterised by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
However, scenes from rape, sexual assault may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.
The eminent jurist made this disclosure on Thursday, in her keynote address at ADDA Girl Education Foundation (AGEF), where 50 girls were selected by immediate past president of the court of appeal Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa.
She said, “As a practitioner in the field and a stakeholder in justice sector, I’m aware that cases of rape, sexual assault and violence against the girl-child are widespread and on the increase. Incidents of attacks on young persons and children, many of which have tragically resulted in heartbreaking fatalities, have quite frequently been reported.
“The victims who have survived such vicious attacks and violations, are left scared for life. The tragedy of it is that an increasing number of these abuses are happening in schools where children have gone to get education.
“This certainly does not augur well for the society as these girls are the future mothers of Nigeria of tomorrow. Where they are violated and subjected to abuse, the post-traumatic distress disorder (PTDD) they inevitably suffer or experience, may negatively affect the upbringing of the leaders and children of the future Nigeria, thereby joepardising the nation in general.”
Sankey urged states of the federation including Gombe to domesticate the child rights act, noting that it would provide the girl child the conducive environment to thrive.
“If, however, laws are put in place to protect children and enforce their rights, I believe that courts will proactively and stringently enforce these laws. This will also ensure that our children, who are the future of this nation, are protected from predators, as well as shielded from any failure on the part of parents, guardians, teachers and the system in general,” Sankey added.
