TRAUMA OF RAPE VICTIMS IN THREE NOLLYWOOD MOVIES: MOSES INWANG & ESTHER EYIBIO’S ‘ALTER EGO’ (2017), MERCY AIGBE-GENTRY’S ‘VICTIMS’ (2015) AND EMEM ISONG'S CODE OF SILENCE (2015)

Abstract

The traumatic disorder associated with rape victims has attracted attention from some Nollywood producers and actors over the years. Therefore, this study examines how the movie industry portrays the persistence of trauma. Three selected films—'Alter Ego’ (Moses Inwang & Esther Eyibio), ‘Victim’ (Mercy Aigbe), and ‘Code of Silence’ (Emem Isong)—were examined. The purposively selected movies portray rape as a heinous crime, typically perpetrated by men against women, and emphasise its traumatic impact on victims. The associated consequences depicted include depression, loss of selfesteem, unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unsafe abortion, premature death, as well as severe sociological and psychological trauma, which may, in extreme cases, lead to suicidal tendencies or homicide. The selected movies depict a range of adverse effects experienced by victims, including psychological disorders, selfblame, substance abuse, generalised anxiety disorder, behavioural disturbances, aggression, major depression, obsessive–compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and suicidal tendencies. The movies further
emphasise the importance of appropriate treatment and support for victims to prevent more severe long-term consequences. Additionally, they advocate for periodic psychological evaluation to safeguard victims’ mental well-being and mitigate the risk of severe psychological deterioration.