SEXUAL VIOLENCE

04/21/2020

INTRODUCTION

You don't really need to study the law for you to know that anything to do with violence is basically done without the consent of the person who it is directed to and is definitely illegal. Therefore, we are obliged to refer to the person whom the violence is directed to as a victim or a survivor. One of the most common forms of violence is sexual violence and more often than not, it is girls and women who fall victim to it.It is one of the most pervasive human rights violation. At least 1 out of every 3 women around the world has been beaten,coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Worldwide, 1 in 5 women will become a victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime.

Study by the WHO shows up to one third of adolescent girls report their first sexual experience as being forced and 1 in 4 women may experience sexual violence by an intimate partner. Males may be even less likely than female victims to report an assault to the authorities. Main reason is because of the Myths and strong prejudices surrounding male sexuality.

The impact of sexual violence has been felt throughout the world yet it still gets insufficient attention from researchers. Cases are increasing at an alarming rate on the daily and this should really shake us in our comfort zones.

Types of sexual violence

Rape
Defilement
Sodomy
Forced Oral Penetration
Forced Prostitution
Sexual trafficking

Where Sexual Violence Occurs

At home
While Walking/driving/cycling
In School
At work
At public gatherings
In prisons

As indicated above,it is correct to say that sexual violence can occur anywhere.Also,a perpetrator doesn't have to be a stranger.It could be a parent,guardian,relative,friend,intimate partner,neighbor or just someone you know.

D.R.C CONGO

Democratic Republic of Congo or the Heart of Africa as many call it,is one of the countries in the African continent that have piqued my interest.Constantly watching documentaries about the country's history, how it's people survived through the harsh reign of King Leopold II and the Belgium rule.Okay just allow me to also mention that I am a lover of Congolese music.

I know by now you're asking yourself, Why D.R.C? Why did I specifically pick the country for the study?But don't you worry,you'll figure that out in a short while.

D.R.C has been a living paradox for a very long time now maybe since 1960 after the country gained its independence.It is the world's richest country yet one of the poorest.It's endowed with the Congo river& the Congo forest(the lungs of Africa).Rich in wildlife, minerals and very fertile land.Despite having been so blessed,the country has survived a number of civil wars and has been in constant wars till now.Amidst all these wars, young girls and women have been carrying a huge burden since they've always been victims of rape and defilement which have been used as tools of war over the years.

According to a study by the UN, 12% of the country's women have been raped at least once and 48 women are raped every hour in the country.Children as young as 5 have experienced sexual violence. Rape cases occur in public places and in the presence of witnesses.These public rapes have become so popular they have been given a name-la reigne. Women are stripped,tied upside down and gang raped in the middle of a village.Did you know that East D.R.C is referred to as "The Capital of Rape"?

Well,if all these doesn't move or anger you,then my friend,I don't know what will.

Why most victims don't report sexual violence cases

Guilt
Shame
Fear of not being believed
The prevalent Victim blaming Culture
Fear of rejection
Fear that they won't even get justice

Things we need to educate ourselves on

Circumstances surrounding sexual violence.Examples:Gender Inequality,Cultural beliefs,Previous Abuse,Peer Influence.
Health Consequences of sexual violence.Examples: Death, STIs,Gynecological disorders,Mental Distress.Unwanted Pregnancies.
Prevention Strategies e.g: Individual efforts,School based Programs,Community Efforts,Healthcare responses,Legal & Policy responses.

How to Curb the Issue

Community activism
Prevention Campaigns(adverts,Billboards,Walks,Protests)
Teaching kids in schools about consent
Broadening the range of sex crimes
Public debates and meetings where survivors can share their stories
Dealing harshly with the perpetrators

Conclusion

There are organizations such as the U.N.H.C.R(Luququ tribe), Wangu Kanja foundation,which assist victims of sexual violence to heal.Just like me,you can join the Help Her Heal Campaign initiated by the U.N.H.C.R,to assist in the recovery of the victims of sexual violence.

It doesn't matter what you wore,what you did,what you didn't do,who you were with,who you weren't with,whether or not you drank alcohol or consumed drugs.You're not to blame for being a victim.

Let's create a safe space for survivors of sexual violence.Let's listen to them.Let's believe them.Let's seek Justice for them.Let's stand with them.