In as much as some persons post online for the sole reasons of getting likes and views, we mustn't neglect social injustices done to those who may not be able to speak up and disregard their silent cry for help.
Source
So, I was recently surfing the internet, and I noticed this headline that caught my attention: a fourteen-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by her Landlord's son. The Nigerian Police Force PRO ( Public Relations Officer), Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had reacted to the video of the young girl bleeding after molestation and had urged that family members or those who know the victim should reach out to him because he was interested in getting justice for her.
Now, while some people commended the effort of Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, others saw him as one who was putting up a show, some others regarded the news as fake, and for some others, this was going to be like one of the many cases that would be swept under the carpet once money is involved.
Those latter group of people with diverse opinions is what I am worried about; while their opinions may be true; that the PRO was seeking commendation and recognition from the public, or that the video of the assault was posted online by a mischievous being to chase clout or the fact that probably the culprit may never be brought to judgment if he knows his way around the corrupt system; these opinions cannot be compared to the trauma and stigma rape victims go through.
Sometimes, this kind of public view may frustrate and deny the victims of getting justice for the wrong done to them, and directly or indirectly, we encourage the perpetrators of this kind of social and moral evil to walk freely in society while they scout for their next helpless victims.
I have thought long and hard concerning this matter; two things I could deduce is the fact that there are possible chances that the alleged rapist may have been sexually harassing the young child before having his way with her that fateful day. Most likely, victims of rape experience sexual advancement except for the case of armed robbery.
Let's take a vivid imagination of the scenario, at fourteen years old; the victim is a beautiful young girl with a nice developing body frame and physique and probably just started her menstrual cycle, the Landlord's son had noticed her and wooed her not for anything else but for the pleasure of having his way with her. This young, innocent lady had denied him the opportunity on several attempts; now, because his ego is crushed, he violently takes advantage, thereby having carnal knowledge of the victim against her will.
My thought though, is it possible that this young lad never mentioned the harassment from her Landlord's son to her parents or guardians? Has he ever spoken or tried to touch her in a way that makes her uncomfortable? If he had, what did she do about it? The reason for my thought is that sometimes, especially in this time and generation, our young growing lads are too shy to speak up; they harbor a lot in their young, fragile, and vulnerable hearts. They feel they can handle whatever comes their way, but unfortunately, the case isn't always the same.
Now, if the young lady was bold and confident enough to speak to her parents about it, what were their reactions? How did they handle the matter? Many parents are too busy to hear the silent cries and struggles of their children, especially the teenagers, who are the most vulnerable group when it comes to rape cases, they waive aside the curiosity of their teens, and this exposes them to picking up the wrong information concerning their lives.
Another thing of concern is exposure to illicit materials, especially on the internet these days; we find materials that reveal nudity or are sexually appealing, which may trigger sexual urges or drive; it takes a lot of self-control and discipline to keep put when you come across these materials. These materials create an image and an insatiable urge called lust, thereby pushing you to the limit of seeking means of relieving sexual pressure, and in cases where there are no willing partners, the result is rape.
Society should understand that rape is a grievous crime and should be treated as such; the victims isolate themselves suffering in pain and silence; it is our collective duty to expose and speak against such evil and, most importantly, show support and care for victims of rape. The kind of attitude we show to these victims can determine if another unfortunate victim would be able to speak up.
So if the Nigerian Police Force wants justice for this young lad then let's keep aside our opinions and help her get the justice she deserves.
Reference
Nigerian police fpro reacts after seeing video of teenagegirl