A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mirabel Centre, has urged parents not to blame their children who were sexually assaulted.

In a statement issued on its Instagram handle -@mirabelcentreng, the NGO said that parents were usually devastated when they discover that their children have been sexually abused.

The NGO said that parents who find themselves in such situations should be supportive and not blame the victims.

“It is crucial you believe and validates your child’s experience without blame or judgment.

“Listen to their stories without interruption or doubt and reassure them that they did nothing wrong.”

The Centre appealed to parents to create a safe environment for the survivors and respect their boundaries.

“Ensure that your child feels safe and supported. Reassure them that they are not to blame and that you are there to protect and support them.

“Respect their boundaries and give them the space and time they need to process their emotions,” the statement stated.

The organization urged parents to report and seek professional help from Mirabel Centre.

“Reach out to qualified professional organizations like Mirabel Centre, where your child can get medical, legal, and psycho-social support.

“We work closely with law enforcement agencies, to ensure formal report is made and investigations are carried out.

“Remember you are not alone, there is support available to help you and your child navigate this difficult time,” it stated.

It urged parents not to hesitate to seek support for themselves, whether from trusted friends, family members, or therapists, as caring for a child who has been sexually abused can be emotionally challenging.

The Mirabel Centre is Nigeria’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which provides free support services for survivors of sexual assault at LASUTH, Ikeja, Lagos.