A nurse walks into the reception to attend to them. She leads them to an inner office to meet with a doctor. The doctor is one of those facilitators they had met in the outreach. She recognised Chioma and is saddened when she found out the horror she had encountered.

“In 2013, the Lagos state government recorded 678 rape cases and the bad news is that statistics is inconclusive because more cases is never reported to protect the integrity and identity of the victims. Unfortunately, the Nigeria’s constitution is biased against women; it portrays a rape case as a misdemeanour”. She said

Do you know what a misdemeanour is? The doctor asked

Chioma and Kunle nodded “No”

“Well, a misdemeanour is a minor act. It is considered a less serious offence and Section 353 of the Criminal Code Act states that any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults any male person is guilty of a felony. The person is liable to prison for 3years, but Section 360 of the same Act regards indecent assault to women as a lesser offense and attracts a sentence of 2years imprisonment if found guilty. The worse is that the corporal punishment of a married woman by her husband to correct her is legally justified under section 55 (10) of the Penal Code”. She continued

She leans forward and smiles.

“I am not a lawyer, but I have educated myself on these things because they matter; just as knowing who the richest man in Africa is, this information is equally important. I can go on and on concerning the law and its defects, but it changes nothing until brave people like us stand up and speak up with the support of courageous men like this young gentleman with you. We can fight this.” She says

“Have you heard about the 51-clause bill?” The doctor asks

Chioma and Kunle nodded “No”

“Well, a section of the bill alludes: Any man convicted of rape is liable to life imprisonment. Persons convicted of gang-raping any victim shall be liable, jointly and severally to a minimum of 20years imprisonment without fine; where the offender is less than 14 years, he shall be liable to a maximum of 14 years imprisonment and a minimum of 12 years, without fine. Any person who compels another by force or threat to engage in any conduct or act of sexual or otherwise to the detriment of the victim’s physical or psychological well-being commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding N500,000 or both.” She continues

“The fight is a gradual process, but achievable. The state government just recently launched the 112 emergency number for the abused. Do you know about it?” The doctor asks

Chioma and Kunle nodded “No”

The doctor sighs.
“Hope you know that you are a brave girl Chioma and Kunle you are a perfect gentleman? The doctor asks

Chioma and Kunle nodded "Yes"

The doctor giggles

"I promise you will get the help you deserve.” The doctor said with a smile

“Thank you ma” Chioma replied. Kunle just smiled back

Chioma sitting down in front of the doctor had felt like 6hours of literature torture, but the clock on the wall beside the Doctor’s portrait said they had been in the office for just 30minutes.
Chioma was eager to leave. The lecture was informative but not when you are violated. What does this Doctor expect her to do with all that statistics now if not add herself to the numbers, what use is the information now?

The doctor leans backward, scribbles something on a card, picks up her phone and places a call. Afterwards, she looks straight into Chioma’s eyes and says. “I have just spoken to my driver and he will take you to Ikeja. He will drive you to the Mirable Center.

They offer holistic and quality services and support to survivors of sexual assault in a compassionate and caring manner, where each individual’s specific needs, and their rights to make choices on how to address those needs, are respected and met. It is managed by the Partnership for justice so if you want to report this case, you can. Here, take my complimentary card. It has the name and number of a colleague who will attend to you.” The doctor said

Chioma and Kunle both got up, and the doctor escorts them to her car. The driver had started the engine already and was waiting for them. They said their goodbyes with Chioma promising to give the Doctor feedback when she leaves the center.