Former Miss Nigeria, Ezinne Akudo Sets Up A Rape Crisis Centre For Sexual Abuse Victims

Today, the 23rd of March, 2015, 24-year old former Miss Nigeria 2013, Ezinne Akudo opened the doors to her own Rape Crisis Center set up by her organization.‘The Eight Foundation’. The Eight Foundation was founded in 2014 with the strong goal of supporting victims of sexual assault. The mission of the foundation is to provide help, hope and healing to those affected by sexual violence.

The Eight Foundation provides free services in the areas of Crisis Response, Counseling & Support, Court Advocacy, Education & Outreach with the support of the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender, The Domestic and Sexual Violence response team and the Mirabel Center.

In the words of Ezinne Akudo, “We live in a world where women are abused daily and are unable to speak up. One out of four women experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. This crime can take place at anytime and can happen to anyone regardless of tribe, religion or social class. Sadly, the society’s response to this heinous crime has led victims to believe that silence is the best option. However, Speaking up is our greatest weapon in this fight against sexual violence.”

The Eight Foundation Rape Crisis Center is located at 1A Kola Adeniyan Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria.

ABOUT THE EIGHT FOUNDATION
The Eight Foundation is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the needs of women and girls who have experienced sexual violence by providing them with the necessary medical care and social rehabilitation. We also educate and raise awareness and understanding of sexual violence in the society.

Sexual violence , which can happen to anyone, has devastating short and long-term consequences on the physical and emotional wellbeing of affected persons. It cuts across social barriers, ethnicity and religion. No one deserves or asks for it to happen. This organization was founded as a safe haven and is committed to ensuring that every victim is treated with dignity, kindness, love and with utmost professionalism. It is very difficult to speak up but we promise to listen, care and stand with you.

Credit: The BT Company