A crime is an act or failure to act that violates the law and causes harm to a person, property, community or society. Crimes can include assault, sexual violence, domestic violence, robbery, theft, fraud, kidnapping, threats, trafficking, cybercrime and other offences recognised under Nigerian law.

Anyone can become a victim of crime, regardless of age, gender, occupation, social status or background.

Yes. Witnesses, family members and people close to a victim can also experience emotional, psychological, financial or social effects as a result of a crime.

Crime can take many forms, including physical violence, sexual violence, domestic abuse, child abuse, robbery, theft, fraud, kidnapping, threats, trafficking, cybercrime and other offences.

A victim is a person who suffers physical, psychological, emotional, financial or other harm as a result of a crime.

Yes. Children can be victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking, bullying and other forms of crime or harm. Children require special protection and appropriate support.

A person who witnesses a crime may also experience trauma or other harmful effects and may need support, even if they were not physically attacked.

A crime does not become less serious because the person responsible is a partner, relative, friend, colleague, neighbour or someone else known to you.

Yes. Family members and caregivers may also need emotional, psychological or practical support after a crime.

Crime can affect a person physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially and financially. The effects can vary greatly from one person to another.

A person may experience fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, confusion, guilt, shame, helplessness, emotional numbness, difficulty sleeping or difficulty concentrating.

There is no fixed recovery period. Everyone responds differently to traumatic experiences, and some people may need professional support over a longer period.

Feelings of guilt or self-blame can occur after victimisation. However, responsibility for committing a crime rests with the person who committed it.

Yes. Crime can affect relationships, finances, family life and the emotional wellbeing of people close to the victim.

If the experience is affecting your daily life, relationships, sleep, safety or emotional wellbeing, consider speaking with a qualified counsellor, psychologist, healthcare professional or victim-support organisation.

Listen to them without judging or blaming them. Help them feel safe and, where appropriate, assist them in accessing medical, psychological, legal or other support.

You can help them understand their options and connect them with appropriate support, but avoid pressuring them into making decisions they are not ready to make unless immediate safety requires intervention.

Avoid statements that blame, shame or question the victim, such as asking why they did not prevent the crime or suggesting that they caused what happened.

Respect their privacy. However, where there is an immediate risk of serious harm, particularly involving a child or vulnerable person, appropriate authorities or professionals may need to be contacted.

Prioritise the child’s immediate safety and seek appropriate child-protection, medical and law-enforcement assistance. Avoid blaming, threatening or pressuring the child.

Respect their wishes while continuing to let them know that support is available. If there is an immediate danger to their safety, appropriate emergency intervention may be necessary.

Reporting a crime can create an official record and may allow the appropriate authorities to investigate the incident. The decision and appropriate process can depend on the nature and circumstances of the crime.

It is understandable to feel afraid, particularly when you fear retaliation or the person responsible is someone you know. Consider speaking confidentially with a lawyer, victim-support organisation or trusted professional about your options and safety.

Depending on the nature of the incident, you may report to the Nigeria Police Force or another appropriate law-enforcement or government agency.

You can still seek support and ask about your options. The appropriate legal process may depend on the nature of the offence and the circumstances of the case.

Where it is safe to do so, preserve relevant information such as photographs, messages, emails, medical records, financial records, documents and information about witnesses. Do not put yourself at risk to obtain or preserve evidence.

Take threats seriously. Move to a safe location and seek emergency assistance if you are in immediate danger. You should also report threats or harassment to the appropriate authorities.

Not necessarily. Depending on the service, you may be able to receive information, counselling or other forms of support before deciding whether to make a formal report.

Prioritise your immediate safety and seek appropriate medical and specialist support. You may also report the incident to the appropriate authorities or relevant government agency.

Your safety comes first. Move away from danger, seek help and obtain medical attention if necessary. If you are in immediate danger in Nigeria, call 112.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Keep any relevant medical records or documents relating to your treatment.

If you are at immediate risk, move to a safer location and seek emergency assistance. You can also contact an appropriate victim-support or domestic and sexual violence service for guidance.

No. You can seek support from trusted family members, friends, healthcare professionals, counsellors, lawyers, government agencies and victim-support organisations.

No. Seeking help can be an important part of dealing with the consequences of crime and rebuilding your sense of safety and wellbeing.

Your safety comes first.

What happened to you is not your fault.
You have the right to seek help.
You do not have to deal with the experience alone.
Take your time and seek appropriate professional support.
If you are in immediate danger, seek emergency assistance.