Raising Awareness: GIHF Tackles Sexual Assault at Onitolo Community High School

In a bold move to address one of society’s most pressing issues, the Giving Is Healing Foundation (GIHF) conducted a crucial sensitization session at Onitolo Community High School, Surulere, Lagos, early this year. The focus: educating students about the often-misunderstood realities of sexual assault.

The session, led by GIHF’s experienced team, aimed to dispel myths surrounding sexual violence while providing students with factual information. The foundation stressed that sexual assault is any nonconsensual sexual contact, ranging from coercion and forced acts to more severe offenses such as child sexual abuse, rape, groping, and drug-facilitated assault.

In a country where such topics are often taboo, GIHF’s direct and open approach resonated deeply with the young audience. In addition to interactive lectures, the foundation distributed vital materials that outlined how and where victims of sexual violence could seek help. Information on sexual assault referral centers across Nigeria was handed out, ensuring that students knew how to access support if needed.

“This is not just about awareness,” said Oluwaseun Fatunmise, a representative of GIHF. “It’s about equipping young people with the knowledge and courage to speak out, protect themselves, and stand with survivors. Silence only protects perpetrators, but awareness can break the cycle.”

This initiative is part of GIHF’s broader mission to raise awareness about sexual assault and push for stronger protections and accountability for victims. The foundation’s representatives emphasized that sexual assault is a grave crime with long-lasting consequences, making it essential to continue educating communities and advocating for survivors.

As sexual assault cases rise, particularly among youth, GIHF’s proactive intervention marks a significant step in addressing the issue head-on. By empowering students with knowledge and resources, GIHF is working to create a future where victims are supported, and perpetrators are held accountable.

“In a nation where justice for sexual assault survivors is still elusive,” Fatunmise added, “we must keep pressing forward through education, advocacy, and support until every victim feels safe to seek justice and every community stands united against sexual violence.”