Authors:
- Susan Olubukola Badeji, Department of Theatre Arts, Redeemers University - Google Scholar, ResearchGate

- Victorine Chinwe Obia: ORCID

- John Iwuh, Department of Theatre Arts, Redeemers University - Academia.edu, Google Scholar, ResearchGate

- Eunice Uwadinma-Idemudia, Department of Theatre Arts, Redeemers University

Abstract: »Child abuse is a threat that impedes the mental health of victims. In Nigeria, rape and other sexual violence are prevalent. It has become a silent killer due to stigma and emotional torture, attracting Nigerian filmmakers’ attention. This article focused on the ordeal associated with sexual abuse of the girl-child given her vulnerability. However, the cure and management of the repercussions of abuse have been more medical than visual therapies such as film. However, art-based research has shown that visual therapies are also incontrovertible alternatives to pharmaceutically based treatments. The study selected and analysed, Nollywood’s Dry and Hollywood’s The Colour Purple as therapy for victims who were sexually abused as children. The films’ representations of inhuman experiences collectively summarize our imagination of hell. We conclude that its cathartic and prescriptive messages provide adequate lessons to resist negative perception, reduce trauma and encourage healing.« (Source: International Journal of Religion)

Wikipedia: History of Africa: History of Nigeria | History of the Americas: History of the United States | Film: Nollywood / Dry (2014 film) | Film: Steven Spielberg / The Color Purple (1985 film) | Sex and the law: Child sexual abuse / Child sexual abuse in Nigeria, Child sexual abuse in the United States