Photo: Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba
By: Mandy Park
Mirabel Centre, Nigeria’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), has recorded a major milestone, having provided support to over 10,000 survivors of sexual violence since it was established in 2013.
The achievement underscores both the growing trust survivors place in the Centre and the disturbing scale of sexual and gender-based violence in the country.
Experts note that many cases remain unreported due to stigma, fear, limited access to services and weak justice outcomes.
Mirabel Centre offers free, survivor-centred medical, psychosocial, forensic and legal support to survivors, regardless of age, gender or background.
For many, the Centre represents the first safe space where they are believed, protected and treated with dignity.
Commenting on the milestone, the Founder of Mirabel Centre, Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba, described it as both a moment of impact and reflection.
“Reaching 10,000 survivors tells us that survivors trust us,” she said. “But it also reminds us of the scale of sexual violence in our society and how much more work remains.”
Beyond emergency response, the Centre is also engaged in prevention education, professional training and advocacy aimed at improving survivor care, strengthening accountability and achieving long-term systemic change.
Despite its progress, the Centre noted that demand for its services continues to rise, highlighting the urgent need for sustained funding, stronger policies and coordinated action.
Mirabel Centre therefore called on government authorities, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, the private sector and community leaders to treat sexual violence as a national emergency and prioritise survivor-centred responses across the country.
