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Duchess Camilla Appointed Patron Of Nigeria's Sexual Survivors Centre

Duchess Camilla Appointed Patron Of Nigeria's Sexual Survivors Centre
BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja 
Duchess Camilla 

Duchess of Cornwall, HRH, Camilla has been appointed as the first Patron of Nigeria's sexual survivors centre, the Mirabel centre, Lagos. 

The centre is Nigeria’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) that provides succor to survivors of rape and sexual assault, and has provided free medical and psychosocial support services to over 6,450 survivors, including Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) since its inception in July 2013. 

Speaking on the appointment, Duchess Camilla said she was delighted to serve as the patron of Mirabel centre, describing it as a trailblasing organisation that provides healing and justice for victims of rape and sexual assault.

"Their vital work means that women need no longer suffer in silence and I am deeply grateful to all Mirabel’s wonderful staff and volunteers”, she added.   

Married to the Prince of Wales, she visited Nigeria in 2018 alongside her husband during a programme hosted by the Women of the World Festival (WOW).  

On her part, the founder of Mirabel Centre, Itoro Eze- Anaba was pleased that Duchess Camilla accepted to serve as the patron of the centre, saying that she's passionate on issues related to sexual and gender-based violence as well as the survivors. 

According to her, "The current COVID-19 pandemic has further revealed the endemic nature of sexual violence. We have seen a huge number of children and women coming forward to report cases of sexual assault and rape. Our youngest survivor is a 3-month-old baby and the oldest, an 80-year-old woman. We are confident that the support of The Duchess will make a difference.”

Responding, the UK’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing said the new role of Duchess Camilla would boost Mirabel centre's support to sufferers of sexual assault and domestic abuse. 

She stated that Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) is a global epidemic ravaging all levels of society, and one of the most prevalent and devastating human rights violations. 

Laing said that SGBV cuts across all social, national, economic boundaries and had  remained largely under-reported due to the stigma and shame associated with survivors, and the impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators.

“The centre is the first of its kind to provide holistic and high quality psychosocial and medical services to these survivors in Nigeria, and this patronage will no doubt help to ensure safe and continued support to sexual assault survivors, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. This will complement the UK government’s partnerships in Nigeria to tackle SGBV.”

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