NIGERIA:RAPE CULTURE AND VICTIM BLAMING

To be sincere, i really don't know how to start this article. I am angry, i'm infuriated,confused and sad. Excuse my language but WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON? We keep hearing more rape cases everyday, is it that we women really don't matter or men just see us as sexual objects somebody better explain it to me because i don't understand.

Let's be clear, rape happens everywhere(sadly but true) but there seems to be an uprise these past few weeks especially in my country NIGERIA but that doesn't mean it just started. According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, in 2017 there were 

-2,279 reported cases of rape and indecent assault

-1,164 reported cases of 'unnatural offences' (i.e anal sex)

-0 conviction reported by police

-1 state (out of 36) reported no cases of indecent assault

In Nigeria, It is not uncommon for rape to go unreported. Some victims and their families, fearing stigmatization, police extortion and lack of trust in the judicial process, choose not to report cases to the authorities.

There have been instances where those brave enough to report are targeted with derogatory comments at the police station. They are either vilified for their dressing, being at the wrong place at the wrong time or accused for making claims of rape. 

Its so sad that women are always blamed for the actions of rapists, traffickers and abusers, We have so normalized rape culture and victim blaming that we don't see the issues attached to it.

RAPE CULTURE

Rape culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture(sounds like you know where). Rape culture is perpetuated with the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women's bodies and glamorization of sexual violence, thereby creating a society that disregards women's rights and safety.

Examples of Rape Culture

*Blaming the victim(she asked for it).

*Trivializing sexual assault(boys will be boys).

*Pressure on men to "score".

*Pressure on women not to appear "cold".

*Assuming that men don't get raped or only "weak" men get raped.

*Publicly scrutinizing a victim's dress, mental state, motives and history.

*Gratuitous gendered violence in movies and television.

VICTIM BLAMING

Victim blaming is simply when the victim of a crime or any wrongful act is held entirely or partially at fault for the harm that befell them,

One reason people blame the victim is to distance themselves from an unpleasant occurrence and thereby confirm their own invulnerability to the risk.

WHY IS VICTIM BLAMING DANGEROUS?

Victim blaming attitudes, marginalize the victim/survivor and makes it harder to come forward and report the abuse. If the survivor knows that society will blame her/him for the abuse, she/he will not feel safe or comfortable coming forward and talking to anyone.

By engaging in victim blaming attitudes, society allows the abusers to perpetuate relationship abuse or sexual assault whilst avoiding accountability for his/her actions.

I really needed to take my time and explain all of this so nobody will act ignorant to these issues. If we can all be sincere we have all subconsciously  partook in victim blaming but there is a saying that goes "when you know better you do better" it is time to take corrections and also spread awareness to all these issues.

WAYS TO COMBAT RAPE CULTURE AND VICTIM BLAMING

*Avoid using languages that objectifies and degrades women.

*Be supportive of rape victims.

*Let survivors know its not their fault.

*Stop making excuses for abusers.

*Hold abusers accountable.

*Define your Womanhood or Manhood. Do not let stereotypes shape your actions.

*Always communicate with sexual partners. Do not assume consent.

*Be an active bystander.

These are some of the cases of rape that have been recently trending in Nigeria:

- University student Umavera Amuzumu is raped and dies in a church after her head is smashed with a fire extinguisher; a suspect has been arrested.

- A 12 year old girl is raped over two months in North-West Jigawa state, 11 arrests have been made.

- Tina Ezekwe is killed by a policeman in South-West Lagos state, two policemen have been arrested.

- Barakat Bello is gang-raped and murdered in South-West Oyo state; no arrest have been made.

- A 17 year old girl is gang-raped in South West Ekiti state; no arrest has been made.

We all need to stop Rape culture and Victim blaming, stop giving excuses to abusers of all kind. We also need to keep spreading awareness and fighting for female rights and justice, its not enough for justice to trend for only one week we need to keep fighting until we see positive change. Sharing on social media platforms is a way to spread awareness but that is not enough, we also need marches and peaceful protests.

                                                                                                                    STAY SAFE.