Dear Reader,
Welcome to the WARIF Survivor Stories Series, a monthly feature where stories of survivors of rape and sexual violence are shared to motivate and encourage survivors to speak their truth without the fear of judgment or stigmatisation and to educate the public on the sheer magnitude of this problem in our society. The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) is a non-profit organisation set up in response to the extremely high incidence of rape, sexual violence, and human trafficking of young girls and women in our society. WARIF is tackling this issue through a holistic approach that covers health, education, and community service initiatives.
WARIF aids survivors of rape and sexual violence through the WARIF Centre – a haven where trained professionals are present full-time, 6 days a week, including public holidays, to offer immediate medical care, forensic medical examinations, psychosocial counselling, and welfare services, which include shelter, legal aid, and vocational skills training. These services are provided FREE of charge to any survivor who walks into the Centre.
Motunrayo’s Story: Finding Hope And Strength After Trauma
“I am thankful for how far I have come, and I am hopeful about where I am going.”
At 22, Motunrayo was focused on building her future. As an apprentice, she worked toward completing her training and building a meaningful career. Then, one Sunday, an encounter that began in the aftermath of a difficult day changed her life.
Following a disagreement with her boss, Motunrayo felt overwhelmed and decided to take a walk through her neighbourhood. As she walked, she was crying when a man she knew from the neighbourhood approached her and asked what was wrong.
After she shared that she was upset, he asked her to follow him. When she declined, he forcibly took her into a nearby house, where he raped her and prevented her from leaving.
The following morning, she was taken to a nearby canal, restrained and abandoned. Fortunately, a passerby noticed her and raised the alarm. Members of the community responded and rescued her. She had sustained injuries and was bleeding and in need of urgent medical attention.
The incident was reported to the police, and Motunrayo’s family was informed. She was subsequently referred to the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) Centre, where she received specialised, survivor-centred care and support.
At WARIF, Motunrayo received medical assessment and treatment for her injuries, as well as appropriate forensic and laboratory services. She also received psychosocial counselling in a safe, confidential and supportive environment. All services provided to her at the WARIF Centre were free of charge.
In the beginning, speaking about what had happened was difficult. “I experienced fear, distress and emotional pain,” Motunrayo recalls. “At first, talking about what had happened was not easy.”
Through counselling, she had space to process her experience at her own pace. Her counsellor helped her understand her emotional responses to trauma and, importantly, reinforced that the violence she experienced was not her fault.
With consistent support, Motunrayo gradually began to regain a sense of safety and confidence. The support she received extended beyond counselling. Based on her needs, she was connected to relevant support and referral services. Having people listen to her, believe her and support her without judgement became an important part of her recovery.
While Motunrayo received care and support, the police continued their investigation into the incident. The alleged perpetrator was eventually arrested after being traced while attempting to leave the area, and the case was subsequently charged to court.
For Motunrayo, knowing that her case was being pursued was an important part of her journey towards healing and justice.
Six months after the incident, Motunrayo is focused on rebuilding her life. She has returned to work and continued with her apprenticeship. She is looking forward to completing her training and graduating by the end of the year.
Her recovery has not meant forgetting what happened. Instead, it has meant learning that she can move forward, one step at a time, with the right support around her.
“I am grateful to be alive,” she says. “The experience changed many things for me, but it did not take away my dreams for the future.”
Today, Motunrayo is choosing to look ahead.
She hopes to complete her apprenticeship, graduate and build a fulfilling life for herself. Her experience has also strengthened her belief that survivors deserve to be heard, believed, respected and supported without judgement.
“Seeking help does not make a survivor weak,” she says. “With the right support, safety and access to appropriate care, survivors can begin to rebuild their lives.”
Motunrayo is grateful to the people who stood by her during one of the most difficult periods of her life, including her family, her boss, the community members who came to her rescue, and the police.
She is particularly grateful to the WARIF team for providing her with a safe space where she could access medical care, counselling and emotional support.
“The support I received helped me understand that I was not defined by what happened to me.”
Today, Motunrayo chooses to focus on her future—with renewed hope, determination and a belief in what is still possible.
Her story is a reminder that while trauma can change a survivor’s life, with safety, compassionate care and the right support, healing and hope are possible.
“I am thankful for how far I have come, and I am hopeful about where I am going. Thank you to the entire WARIF Team. You are the best!”
I’ve intentionally avoided unnecessarily graphic descriptions of the assault and centred Motunrayo’s agency, dignity, recovery, and future, which makes the piece more appropriate for WARIF’s website, annual report, donor communications, or survivor-awareness campaigns.
*Real name of the Survivor changed for confidentiality
Dear Survivor, please know that you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Help is available. If you have been raped or know someone who has, please visit us at:
The WARIF Centre
6, Turton Street, off Thorburn Avenue, Sabo, Yaba.
or call our 24-hour confidential helpline on
0800-9210-0009
