Child abuse survivors need support beyond Justice, Olaoba to stakeholders

By Efe Onodjae Stakeholders have been urged to strengthen psychological, social, educational and legal support for child abuse survivors beyond the prosecution of offenders. Mr. Olabode Olaoba, who represented Mr. Kayode Filani, Chairman of the Occasion and Special Guest of Honour, made the call at the book presentation of Flora’s Flower held in Lagos.

The themed, “Beyond Justice: Strengthening Support Systems for Child Abuse Survivors,” focused on the need for sustained care and rehabilitation for children who have experienced abuse. Olaoba said justice should go beyond punishing offenders to include protecting survivors, restoring their dignity and ensuring access to professional support. He explained that children who experienced abuse often faced stigma, intimidation, family pressure and disbelief, which could discourage them from reporting their experiences.

According to him, the trauma associated with abuse could be compounded when survivors were denied support or exposed to further harm. He said: “The true measure of a society’s commitment to justice is not only how it punishes offenders, but also how it protects the vulnerable, restores dignity to survivors, and prevents further harm.” Olaoba called for stronger family and community support systems, improved access to qualified counsellors and psychologists, effective implementation of child protection laws and better coordination among relevant institutions.

He also urged law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judicial officers, healthcare providers, teachers and social welfare personnel to adopt child-sensitive approaches that prioritise survivors’ welfare and minimise further trauma. The representative stressed the need to protect children from intimidation and discrimination, adding that survivors should be supported to continue their education and rebuild their confidence.

He warned against concealing abuse to protect family reputation or the standing of alleged offenders, insisting that children’s welfare must take precedence over social status and institutional image. Olaoba further called on parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to create safe environments where children could report abuse without fear of blame or rejection.

He said government agencies, civil society organisations, schools, healthcare providers and the private sector must collaborate to ensure survivors receive comprehensive and sustained assistance. Commending Flora’s Flower for organising the summit, Olaoba urged the organisers to translate its deliberations into practical recommendations, stronger referral networks and measurable interventions.

He added that the success of the initiative should be assessed by the actions taken after the summit and their impact on vulnerable children. “A child who has survived abuse deserves more than the assurance that the offender will face justice. That child deserves the assurance that society will not abandon them in the journey toward healing,” he said.