The increasing number of rape cases the world over is worrisome. One of the most bizarre of recent media rape reports in Nigeria was that of 37-year-old Blessing Anuoluwapo (not real name), who had been raped four times as reported in Saturday PUNCH of February 16, 2013. On two occasions, she was gang-raped by people she called friends.
She was molested at age 10, by their houseboy who was twice her age. Before she turned 20, her father's friend had carnal knowledge of her at their Ebute-Meta, Lagos residence. She could not report to her parents because of the man's threats. At the place where she attended extramural classes, she was gang-raped on two different occasions by three boys she called friends. The fourth time it happened to her, it was done by someone who was bitter that she had refused his advances to become his girlfriend. The next time, she was raped by six boys. Imagine!
In this clime, cultural constraints and a number of other factors all work against female victims of rape and restrain them from reporting the incident when it occurs. If the rapist is a relative for instance, the victim who speaks out is blamed by family members for bringing shame to the family. They see the prosecution of the rapist as a bad publicity. They fear that outsiders could brand them as a family of rapists where nobody would like to marry from.
The effects of rape, however, are very devastating. They include acute stress reaction, rape trauma syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and low esteem among other problems which could become worse when the incident is not reported.
Anuoluwapo reportedly said: "I was not able to trust men. I had sleepless nights. I was traumatised. I attempted suicide twice after the two times I was gang-raped. I always took overdose of drugs so I could take my life. I was living irrationally. I noticed that I was a very friendly person and people tried to get close to me. With all that happened, I started being mean."
Tackling the growing menace of rape requires very strong legislation by governments across the world. According to Nigeria's Criminal Code Act, "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 offence which is called rape."
Punishments for rape and offences related to rape, including attempts to rape, sexual assault, harassment and forced underage elopement range from two years imprisonment for indecent assault, misdemeanour to a life sentence for actual rape.
The rising incidence of rape could be blamed on either the weakness of existing anti-rape laws, their insufficiency, deficiency, non-implementation or a combination of all these factors. In Nigeria for instance, the provisions of the law focus on punishment of offenders without provision for victims. Rape laws in Nigeria need to be amended to match contemporary realities. The requirements of evidence for prosecution for example, is challenging to cultural orientation. The victim is always expected to prove the allegation by reporting to the police immediately after the act, without destroying vital evidence. Considering the African culture of value for the preservation of a woman's virginity and disrespect for sexual promiscuity, even guardians of victims discourage them from reporting the incident. Attempting to prove it is perceived as putting an already stained white cloth inside a palm oil.
There is therefore a need for change in orientation concerning rape cases. Victims, their families and friends must be encouraged to speak up as a measure towards checking the ugly trend.
There is no justification for indecent dressing. However, blaming indecent dressing for rape is a very weak argument because women and girls of all ages, culture, classes, ability, sexuality, race and faith are raped because rapists choose victims based on their vulnerability, not their physical appearance or dress.
Men who often rape and sexually assault women and girls use weapons or threats of violence to intimidate them. As a woman, I am beginning to suspect that the men who commit these acts of violence against women are not happy that God created women. Unfortunately, they are merely fighting against the will of their Maker.
Arresting and punishing offenders will also help the rape victim to regain confidence in the nation's justice system while regaining eroded self-esteem. The establishment of forensic laboratories to assist law enforcement agencies in accurately tracking down and investigating rapists is equally very important.
According to an author, Sohaila Abdulali, who has lived in India and America and was raped 33 years ago, a rapist could be a brutal madman or the boy next door or the too-friendly uncle. This calls for more security consciousness among ladies.
Increased general awareness on human rights and the implications of this crime, alongside strengthening of Nigeria's criminal justice system has become more necessary than it used to be. Nigeria's outdated rape laws should be reviewed. The laws and implications of rape should be publicised so that people become more aware of the consequences of this criminal act. Strict enforcement of rape laws is also required to minimise the rate of the crime.
•Mrs. Kachikwu, is Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission
