From homes, religious houses, schools, hospitals, day care centres to mention a few, rape is daily being perpetuated as reported on social media with horrendous videos and pictures as evidence but sadly, only a few get to be heard and a lesser few ever find justice.
According to Women AT Risk International Foundation, WARIF, findings from a National Survey carried out in 2014 on Violence Against Children in Nigeria confirmed one in four females reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood with approximately 70% reporting more than one incident of sexual violence. In the same study, it was found that 24.8% of females’ ages 18 to 24 years experienced sexual abuse prior to age 18 of which 5.0% sought help, with only 3.5% receiving any services.
The numbers have increased even in recent times and prior to now, the uncouth perpetrators often went scot free but from recent happenings, it is certainly not going to be ‘business’ as usual. People are finding their voices, victims are opening up about their struggles and others are receiving strength to voice out, they are voicing out and authorities concerned are beginning to listen.
Recently, the First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has been championing the fight against rape, her hash tags: #JusticeForRapeVictims , #SayNoToRape and #EveryoneGetInvolved tells it all. This came after a clergy was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for raping a 14 year old girl and an Islamic cleric who raped a 16 year old and claimed she’s his wife was arrested.
It isn’t all gory for rape victims as for instance, in Lagos state, the lines to call for child abuse are 08085753932 and 08102678442 and for domestic violence, you have 08057542266 and 08102678443. There is also the toll-free emergency line 112, to report cases of rape, defilement and other sexual assaults.
There should be more avenues for anonymous feedback so cases of rape can be reported anonymously and thoroughly investigated.
The social media has helped on this matter but has also given voice to obtuse contributions from supporters of chauvinism.
One very significant thing is that, as protection and guidance is given to the girl child, we must not forget about the boys who later grow up to become men. They should be trained and tutored from an early age on how to love, protect and dearly respect every woman.
To everyone condemning a survivor for speaking up and questioning their timing for coming out, it is only wise to speak with nous because no one is endorsed to determine the time a survivor is brave enough to speak out, you know why? It is simply because justice for the abused may delay but it will surely come. Bill Cosby’s case we can never forget.
Also, know that perpetrators will do anything and everything to kill the narrative brought against them so before you jump on littering compromising cheap-talks pause, before you talk think, before you defend, reason!
To the abused, you are not alone, someday; somehow, your truth will birth victory, victory for you and other abused who will find strength because you inspired them to know that the situation only made them become witnesses to justice.
To the government, if you are truly for the people, then be by the people in integrity and truth.
To the abuser…STOP! or else, sooner than you think, you will be ‘served’ and your pummel will arrive unexpectedly and invited without your acquiescence.
To religious leaders, because you occupy a sensitive position in the society, because your office requires you are only on the side of truth, because the supreme one who you ‘report’ to and profess to be like requires honesty from you, therefore, in all you do, say or promote, let that mind which is in HIM, be in you.
