Sexual molestation in recent times have sprung as a major issue in Nigeria and other countries in the whole world.
Rape as it stands is very common and it’s no respecter of any country, be it developed or developing country. The ratio of the number of women recorded as rape victims seems high and nearly not encouraging as well.
Nevertheless, rape comes on different forms and manners. They include the following
1. Sex Compelling which could be in marriages and or dating relationships
2. Rape by Rapists: this is the most common form of sexual molestation. It’s necessary we note that the rapists could be a stranger, an uncle or guardian, a family friend, a step sibling and even a parent!
3. Human trafficking: mostly women and children
4. Genital mutilation: (this mostly happens to females)
5. Sexual harassment
Just to mention few of those. Hence, sexual molestation doesn’t always count as a physical brutality. It could be visual, spoken or by any other means one is compelled into sexual gratification.
Contrary to our topic, it’s called for to lay some claims down. Sexual molestation does not discriminate against sex. It could happen to anyone as any gender could be a victim of this stupendous crime. According to studies, it has been confirmed that the ratio of females who suffered rape is higher than those of their male counterpart. Hence, rape discussion has been greatly channeled towards female not in form of gender discrimination or denying the fact that rape isn’t gender sensitive.
Some people have raised the opinion that most men shy away from sharing their experiences as rape victims because of how odd and unacceptable it looks and thus, this have resulted to the drastic decline in male rape cases.
Nevertheless as the case maybe, just like every other cases, sexual molestation has some preventive measures. These preventive measures might not end the incessant rape in the country, but it would likely reduce the number of victims.
Below are some of the approved methods to stop rape.
1. Deal with Rape: Rape is the new canker worm in our society. If rape happens to be the new norm, then technically all hands must be on deck. Dealing with rape includes accepting the fact that “rape” is real. Forming a close eye to sexual molestation or keeping it cool wouldn’t solve the problem of rape. Rape is happening and we should do our best to end it.
2. Awareness: Mere accepting of the terrible danger wouldn’t do much good if the younger generation are not educated on this. There should be massive public enlightenment in that teens, adolescents and young adults irrespective of gender are revealed to the realization of rape. Awareness is one tool that would be used to shove off rape and put a finally end to it!
3. Right to Education: Every child has a right to basic education and should be accorded such. In some communities where the girl children are neglected and sent off to the street instead of school, provisions for basic education for such children should be made. This will empower women socially and in turn make them less prone to the murderous arms of their rapist who could disguise as prying customers in the hook and crannies of these busy streets. The UBE (Universal Basic Education in Nigeria is the right body to foresee to the fulfilment of the basic right of every unlucky youngesters out there in the hawking streets.
4. Self Defence: In most countries like China, the Takwando and the martial art studies by young adults, teens, oldies have proven to be an effective means of self defence aside it’s sporting and fun attributes too. Self defense is yet another strategic plan to put an abrupt end to rape and sexual molestation. This would yield result since it is always likeable that most rapists would apply restriction and violence and make the female counterpart passive and powerless thereby making it easier. But with self defense, a rape victim would have an edge to compete with and defend herself from the brutal grip of a non suspecting molester.
6. Protecting Vulnerable groups: This group mostly include the children between the ages of 0 months to 7 years, mental retardants and oppressed people as well. They are the vulnerable groups because of their inability to make good judgment in situations like this either due to the inability to speak or deficits in communication, an inability to look for aid or convey abuse, lack of knowledge on how to defend against abuse, and lack of appropriate awareness concerning allowed sexual behaviours. It is believed that any responsible Nigerian citizen should care and look out for these sect of vulnerable groups as regards sexual molestation in the country.
We are of the strong believe that sexual molestation and rape would end totally if these are put into practice. And as Dr Moira Carmody would say,
“It may be timely that we capitalize on discussions of war and many people’s resistance to this to widen the conversation to consider all forms of violence. However if we continue to essentialise masculinity and femininity and avoid the complexity of sexual relations and sexual violence, we leave little hope for primary prevention becoming a reality instead of a dream”.
