Molestation, the genesis of rape is simply touching the private sensitive parts of a human body without consent or permission. Their age,gender,dressing, what you think their prior signal to you mean,does not matter, NO is NO. We scream about the rape cases e.g. #Justice for Uwa and Ada and Yangy’s case but rape occurs in its mildest form.
As a growing child, anytime someone tried to touch me unnecessarily without my permission in the name of calling me (thinking that I am either deaf or they are dumb) there was always this anger that shot through me and most times I hit the person back as reflex and by people I mean friends,one of my classmates in SS3(he was so shocked) and several strangers that just do it because they think it is normal. There are several times I’ve heard guys joking about touching a girl's body and calling a mistake. That is the beginning of rape, the mindset that there are no repercussions.
Findings from a National Survey carried out in 2014 on Violence Against Children in Nigeria confirmed one in four females reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood with approximately 70% reporting more than one incident of sexual violence. In the same study, it was found that 24.8% of females’ ages 18 to 24 years experienced sexual abuse prior to age 18 of which 5.0% sought help, with only 3.5% receiving any services.
Well I do not totally believe these statistics because how many rape cases are reported in Nigeria? Amongst my friends I know at least 3 people that have been affected.
Now how do we stop this .Firstly, rape and molestation victims (both male and female) must be encouraged to speak out without blame so they can heal .Secondly, public awareness for our children (boys and girls). Thirdly, stop molestation jokes. Lastly and most importantly, report any case of molestation or rape to the police and the accused must serve their term in prison. This would serve as lessons to everyone.
I believe that our bodies are the temple of God and if Uzzah in 2nd Samuel 6 :6 was killed for his error of touching the ark, then human bodies must not be touched without permission.
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