Actress Juliana Olayode Hints at Sexual Abuse in Woman Crush

Nollywood actress, Juliana Olayode yesterday hinted that she had been a victim of child sexual abuse.

The actress, best known as Toyosi in tv series, Jenifa’s diary, shared a childhood photograph as her Woman Crush Wednesday. She says:

@olayodejuliana: “My goes to this cutie…???

This was me, many years ago. It was about this time, the sexual abuses began. It was tormenting in those days… Details are in Chapter 2 of Rebirth.”

It was rather brave of Olayode to speak out publicly about her experience, which she has also documented in her new book  Rebirth from Grass to Grace. Children sexual abuse is a serious crime and rather pervasive. It is a crime that not only physically harms a child but also lead to emotional damage and posttraumatic stress disorders in victims.

Coincidentally, the issue is receiving some attention in the media especially through arts. For instance, Sidomex Universal’s latest movie project, Alter Ego, explores the dangers of child sexual abuse and how it could lead to lasting damages to adulthood. It is time to start the conversation, to bring awareness, to educate parents and guardians on what signs to look out for and to encourage kids and teenagers to speak to a trusted adult of things going on in their lives with which they are not comfortable.

We totally commend Juliana Olayode for her courage in speaking about her experience, which hopefully will encourage others to seek help and the justice that they deserve.