RAPE AND THE GIRL CHILD

Say NO to Rape.

Rape has gradually become a wide spread menace in our society. This is such a sad reality because it indicates a breakdown of culture and values which have been long upheld by generations preceding ours. Rape is an act that involves forcefully having sexual intercourse with a person without the person’s consent, thereby violating the person’s sexual right.

Recently, we were greeted with the unsavoury report of one Afeez Baruwa, a part-time lecturer of the University of Lagos who allegedly had forceful sexual relations with an 18-year-old girl seeking admission into the university. 

The rate of abuse in the society is very alarming and the victims can be either male or female but more often than not, the victims are young females just like the girl seeking admission into a University. They are the most vulnerable. 

Rape can be very traumatic for its victim. The experience usually leaves a lifelong scar on its victims and the perpetrators of this crime range from families, friends, neighbours, colleagues to complete strangers. In the case of the aforementioned 18-year old girl, we can only imagine the high expectations she had and the nasty shock she was faced with. What then should be done? What measures can be taken to curb this unfortunate incidence from tearing down the very fabric of our society premised on communal living and our culture of joint responsibility for raising children within the community?

There is a great need for parents, guardians and people in position of responsibility to sensitize the girl-child on how to avoid being a victim of rape. The number one step is to avoid placing oneself in a vulnerable position. 

Women should take the following precautionary measures:

•  Avoid walking alone at night and secluded areas especially in the company of       strangers.
• Be social network wise! Do not get unnecessarily familiar or arrange to meet with social network ‘friends’. Some of these characters are in reality more of foes than friends.
•   Keep car doors locked.
•  Check the back seat of the car when getting in.
•  Maintain a distance between oneself and a stranger's when giving directions
•   Hitchhiking and admitting strangers to one’s home should be avoided always.
•  If a repairman is expected, ensure to have more than one person at home.

Let us all put all hands on deck to expunge this despicable act from our society. This calls for alertness by everyone; and swiftness from security agencies to bring to book the perpetrators of this sadistic act.

We wish you a pleasant weekend!!!