A SHORT REPORT NEED FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF RAPED VICTIMS: CASE REPORTS OF TWO VICTIMS WHO COMMITTED SUICIDE AFTER BEING “GANG RAPED” IN NIGERIA.

Abstract

 Rape is a global problem and seems to be on the increase despite efforts by different countries, civil and governmental organizations to stem the tide. Victims suffer social, physical, psychological effects and while, there are comprehensive services in developed countries to address these effects, such can’t be said to be present in many poor resource developing countries. This paper emphasize the need for expert psychological assessment alongside with medical treatment by reporting a case of two victims (ladies age ranges 15-18years) who committed suicide after being ganged raped by men in Nigeria. It was further reported that families of the victims were too concerned with legal actions other than the wellbeing of the victims and that victims rather prefer to leave this world than to live to remember the traumatic memories of rape. Finally, this paper draws attention of all stakeholders to the physical, social and psychological complications of suicide among these victims and to further suggest provision of comprehensive services to prevent and also manage complications of such an action among the victims.