Your Opinion

Tips for Preventing To Sexual Assault

By Amarachi Chukwuma (SS2), Dansol High School, Agidingbi-Ikeja

In Nigeria, the number of cases of sexual violence is an issue of great concern. Hardly does a day   go by, without one or more reports of the sexual abuse of young people. How can young people, especially young girls, reduce their vulnerability to various forms of sexual assault? Below are some tips to consider:

• Be aware of your surroundings by knowing where you are and who is around you.
• Young girls should try to avoid isolated areas where it would be difficult for them to get help when the need arises.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe and uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
• Try not to load yourself with big bags and packages, which can make you appear more vulnerable.
• Make sure your cellphone is charged with some credit loaded on it, so you can make an emergency call.
• Do not accept a drink already opened and brought to you when you are with friends or colleagues. If you have to leave your opened drink and go to the toilet, do not drink it when you return. This could help you avoid consuming drinks that have been drugged or tampered with.
• Avoid inserting earphones in both ears when you are walking along the road or when you are on your own.

These are a few tips that will go a long way in helping girls reduce the risk of being sexually assaulted or abused.

My Message to Rapists

By Paul Asuquo (SS3), Premier Secondary School, Iju-Agege

So much has been said about what victims of sexual violence should do or not do but, who is talking to rapists and potential rapists about their own responsibility? A far as I am concerned, rapists are cowards and thieves, who are out there to take what does not belong to them – full stop!

Victims cannot be held accountable for the actions of a criminal, it is just not right and simply very unfair! How can anybody justify rape by saying that, what the victim did, wore, or said has caused them to be raped? There is no such thing as “asking for it,” and anyone who says or thinks so is seriously wrong and should really check themselves. Who made you the judged of how other people should behave? What has given you the right to dictate how other people should live their lives so much so that you think you must discipline them for not behaving according to your standards?

For your own good, here’s the advice I have for you:

1. Don’t ever think about putting drugs in a girl’s drink.

2. When you see a girl walking by herself, leave her alone.

3. If it is impossible for you to stop yourself from raping, then always make sure you have a trusted friend accompanying you at all times to prevent you from doing what you shouldn’t do.

4. Make sure you always have a rape whistle with you wherever you go. If you feel that you are about to rape someone, blow the whistle until people come to stop you.

5. Stop pretending that you are honestly interested in her as a person when you ask a girl out on a date. Don’t be coward and be bold enough to tell her upfront that you are planning to rape her.

I hope you take a cue from my message and desist from making yourself a public nuisance otherwise, the law will soon catch up with you and your criminal behaviour. A word they say is enough for the wise.