By Paul Jatau
Rape has become a national malaise that must be fought to a standstill. The total lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic further exposed what society had long neglected.
Little children, some as young as two months, were violated by those in whose care they were entrusted. In some horrifying cases, parents subjected their own biological children to this form of torture, leaving them mentally traumatised and in dire need of counselling.
What joy could an adult possibly derive from violating a minor? Such acts only underscore the level of decay our society has reached. Even more disturbing is the tendency of communities to dismiss rape as a ‘family issue’ that should be handled privately.
This culture of silence has meant that no meaningful safety nets have been put in place to provide succour for the abused. Law enforcement has not made the burden any lighter for victims. Indeed, the numerous roadblocks placed in their path discourage many from speaking out, forcing them instead to suffer in silence.
The society must rise in unison to condemn and confront this scourge if it is to be reduced to the barest minimum. Fortunately, some organisations have stepped up, not only raising their voices but also actively seeking out and supporting victims.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Plateau State have all in recent times contributed significantly to the campaign against rape.
Law enforcement agencies, especially the police, must improve and update their investigative and victim-handling skills. It is appalling that rape victims are often subjected to insensitive and humiliating questions, highlighting the urgent need for proper training for officers.
Dedicated front desks should be established in all police stations and manned 24/7 by specially trained personnel to handle rape cases with empathy and professionalism.
The reasons often given by perpetrators are as spurious as they are absurd. Many blame the victims’ mode of dressing, yet this argument crumbles under scrutiny. What could be provocative about a baby in diapers? What attraction could an 80-year-old woman possibly hold that would lead to her being raped?
Clearly, these are not issues of provocation but of deeply twisted and delusional mindsets. Perpetrators must be made to realise that their actions are not only criminal but rooted in dangerous and irrational thinking.
Parents also have a critical role to play. They must educate their children about the sanctity of their bodies and empower them to resist abuse. Building a foundation of trust and confidence is essential so that children feel safe enough to confide in their parents when abuse occurs, whether by strangers or relatives.(www.krestnews.com).
Paul Jatau, a Veteran Journalists and a Public Affairs analyst writes from Jos, Plateau State, Central Nigeria.