Humans have thus far accumulated an ocean of knowledge that transforms humanity to a modern version in all ramifications. Nevertheless, derogatory behavior such as rape still has a firm grip on a large ratio of the human race irrespective of geographical location, status, religion, color or tribe.
Rape has been seen, heard of and brought to book in several shades ranging from incest and pedophile to sodomy and homophile. Sex can take different forms: vaginal sex, oral or anal sex, fingering or hand jobs, dry humping or genital rubbing and masturbation. However, any conduct that forces, humiliates, degrades, or otherwise violates the sexual integrity, or dignity of a party and makes him or her a victim is considered rape.
Considering the alarming increase of rape report across the globe, it is too complex to fit in into an article. Therefore we will focus on the primitive form of intercourse generally known and acceptable by mankind i.e. between persons of the opposite gender, of which women are often the victim.
The Nigerian Criminal Code in Section 357 states that, “Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, or with her consent, if the consent is obtained by force or by means of threats or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of harm, or by means of false and fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act or in the case of a married woman, by personating her husband, is guilty of an offense which is called rape.”
Thousands of women irrespective of age have been subjected to mental torture, psychological trauma, ridicule and tagged a liar until proven honest while the perpetrator is innocent until proven guilty. This despicable act is becoming so rampant in Nigeria making it seem like the law is weak at defending the rape victims if there are binding laws at all. One cannot but wonder why a sane man would decide to rape a woman/girl with the consciousness of committing a grave sin against self, considering the richness of the culture and the sentiments attached to being born of a woman.
In our thought, there should be a proper orientation and enlightenment given to people at various places like; schools, churches, mosques, social groups or clubs, and the media to eradicate this vicious act. No human alive should be deemed to rape, it is like cancer to the victims which feed on their souls changing everything they ever believed in.
Regardless of her dress, class, status, way of life or insecurity, there is no acceptable excuse for rape and the populace should be informed that there is such thing as “rape shield” which is a law that prohibits or limits the use of evidence prior to former sexual conduct of an alleged rape victim. This explains that a rape victim is not condemned or judged based on their formal consensual sexual activities.
Crime against nature is the mother of all crimes and women are the apples in the eyes of nature. Injustice against a woman (victim) anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere for women in existence. Rape is an epidemic in any society that needs a swift action to be rooted out and condemned. It should be clear that silence on such a critical issue makes you an accomplice. It is high time the world took cognizance that, to all the victims out there, the wrong done against them isn’t just one, it is first of all murder and then rape.
2 comments
The sad part is they always put the blame on the lady (victim)
Hello ma, I know right. The victim is always blamed and tagged as a liar especially in our society. Thank you very much for your contribution, please subscribe and share!