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Rape victims have been advised to imbibe the culture of exposing and shaming perpetrators in order to curb the rising cases of rape in the society, not minding the threats and the aftermath stigma.
The Unueworo of Ekurede-Urhobo Community, in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta state, Chief Blessing Okodeso, who gave the advice during a community dialogue on amplifying citizens voice against rape, tagged “Generation Equality Stands Against Rape”, organised by the West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP), in partnership with Development Initiative for Community Impact (DICI), expressed worry over the rising trend of rape cases, ascribing it cause to spirituality.
“one of the quickest way to put an end to this evil trend of rape is to expose them, and shame them(perpetrators), that will discourage a lot of people from the act. Imagine a father having sexual intercourse with his own daughter, is that normal? So I think some of the causes of this evil called rape is spiritual, and I am recommending deliverance for them.
“There are women everywhere, some are even free of charge, so I wonder why people will leave all that and go for children, and sometimes adult without their consent”
Also speaking during the event, a member of Ekurede-Urhobo community elder council, Alex Okandeji, advised that people should have self-control as it will help to overcome the act of committing rape.
“if as a people we can have self-control over some unnecessary push around and within us it will reduce this everyday issue of rape. Most people don’t have self-control hence the incessant cases of rape on daily basis and this is not good at all. We all must develop self-control, so that our society can be safe again for everyone”
While addressing participants, the Delta state focal person, West Africa Network for Peace Building, who is also the Executive Director, Development Initiative for Community Impact, Rachael Misan-Ruppee, described rape as any sexual intercourse carried out in absence of consent, stressing that children below Eighteen year cannot give consent, therefore any sexual intercourse with them is a rape which is punishable under the law.
“That a girl is indecently dress is not a permission or consent to have your way, if you do anything within that context, it amounts to rape. You need to develop self-control. The Nigerian law doesn’t recognise any consent given under duress, or by someone below 18 years, so if you have your way into a child below 18 years, male or female in the name of consent given under duress or by a minor, know that you have commit rape, and you are liable to be imprisoned by the court of law.
“learn to obey when someone says no to your advances, don’t begin to assume that his or her no means yes; if you force your way into anyone who says no to you under assumption that his or her no means yes, you will end up committing rape, and it will land you in jail.
“people under the influence of alcohol cannot give consent, please take not.”
Misan-Ruppee also advised parents and guidance to always pay attention to their children, and also investigate their complaints about people around them.
In an interview chat with The South Daily, the oldest woman in Ekurede-Urhobo Community, Flourence Ipemu, who expressed worry over the menace of rape, advocate severe punishment for rapist, saying that it will help to keep the society safe for everyone.
The Ekurede-Urhobo community resolved to revisit the existing sanctions on rape and will make more stringent rules. They also resolved that any case of rape brought before them will be attended to with all sense of urgency to give the victim justice
