Rape has become a daily occurrence across the country, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown when it became very rampant. It traumatizes the parents of victims a lot. It is a crime against humanity and punishable by law.
In order to curtail rape incidences, the law metes out relevant punishment for rape culprits. But parents and guardians sabotage the effort as they hide information about incidences from journalists, lawyers and the security agencies when their daughters fall victim, simply because they want to protect them against rape stigma.
Rape victims as well as their parents and guardians go through a lot of trauma, particularly the victims, whose health is at stake after an incident.
Survivors need government’s intervention by giving them medical care. It should also enforce the law against rape and grant them justice when they fall victim.
The media, too, should continue to play key roles by reporting rape cases.
When rape survivors are empowered, they would become advocates against the crime.
I appeal to the government, stakeholders such as traditional rulers, NGOs and the media to engage in more awareness on the dangers of rape in society.
Adamu Ali Usman, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri
