As conversations around rape and sexual consent continue to gain attention in Nigeria, Juliet Ibrahim is once again being remembered for speaking openly about the importance of consent, even within a relationship. The Ghanaian actress and filmmaker, who turned 40 on March 3, 2026, once shared a painful experience from her past to highlight why consent must always come before sex.
In an interview with Chude, Ibrahim revealed that she endured repeated sexual assault in a relationship with an ex-boyfriend. According to her, what many people assume to be intimacy between partners can sometimes be abuse when consent is ignored.
“I told him what he did was rape, but he said we were in a relationship,” she recalled. 
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She recounted how she was raped daily by the ex-boyfriend and felt trapped in the situation for a long time. “I had to fight my way out of that relationship,” she said, explaining that she felt helpless and was unable to speak to anyone about what was happening at the time, which further highlights the rape culture in society.
Ibrahim recalled repeatedly pleading with her partner during the assaults. “I kept saying no, stop it, stop it,” she said.
According to her, the experience taught her that consent is essential in every relationship, regardless of how long partners have been together. She explained that people should ask questions and communicate clearly before and during intimacy, stressing that being in a relationship does not automatically mean permission is granted.
“You cannot force a woman,” Ibrahim said. Describing how the experience affected her, she added that intimacy goes beyond the physical: “It’s a mental thing. Your mind, body, and soul have to be prepared to receive and make love.”
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