Baby Girl – Episode 3 (An Enlightenment Series on Rape)

Thanks for following the Baby Girl Series thus far, I greatly appreciate it and I hope you have learnt from some of the things shared. The essence of this posts is to enlighten us from my field experience on Sexual Assault issues, all what we need to know and how to prevent them. Hence, If you missed the first two episodes –  kindly go through my previous posts (Episode 1-  Click here ;  Episode 2 — Click here!

This post would be highlighting another occurrence of sexual assault that happened recently..

 

A young lady was sexually assaulted by someone very close to her, It was really pathetic. It was someone she had hitherto trusted deeply and hence this occurrence left her shattered and traumatized. She came around with a relative of hers to meet with me in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos and I alongside members of my team (MINE Teenage Ministry) was able to help out first by providing some Pyschosocial counselling. Thereafter, She was directed and appropriately counselled by a Medical Consultant of ours in Family Medicine Department and after which she was directed to take a series of tests (medical investigations) to ascertain her current state of well-being. Some of these tests and laboratory procedures included: High Vagina Swab, Hepatitis Virus Screening Test, Retro-Viral Screening (RVS), Pregnancy Test, and a few others . She carried out all of these laboratory investigations and we continued to monitor her progress with  the required follow-up medical investigations and appropriate counselling.

For the sexual assaulter, We’re glad that the Lagos state domestic violence and sexual response team is very active.. they don’t take matters of this nature lightly. They always apprehend all these sexual predators.

(NB: In case you are a sexual assault victim in Lagos state and you require some help, Kindly note down this helpline: +2348137960048 and the reporting platform code is to dial: *6820#))

Hence.. In this Episode, I would be enlightening us on what to do in case of rape. No one wishes this to happen but a lot of young guys and ladies need to be properly enlightened on what to do just in case a loved one falls victim.

Kindly follow me:

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF RAPE

Do not remove your clothes or clean your body to keep the evidence. If survivor is menstruating, pads and tampons should not be thrown away but also properly kept in a bag.

Go to the nearest police station to report the crime so that necessary investigation and arrest can be made. Ensure you give police or the law enforcement agency any clothing stained or torn during the attack.

Go to the clinic or hospital immediately for treatment of any injuries/infection and prevention of any pregnancy or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).

Seek counseling with a trusted adult or professional; YOU DON’T HAVE TO KEEP IT TO YOURSELF! (There are also some friendly support groups like MINE Teenage Ministry that can help out)

You can ask for the result of the medical check-up as evidence if you want to press legal charges.

For legal services, seek help from a human rights or youth serving organizations.

You can also call +2348027192781 or send an SMS free of charge to 38120 for information on where to get help and support in your state.

HOW TO AVOID RAPE

Ayokunle with his team enlightening the students at a Secondary School Outreach. Ayo Kajero is the National Outreach Coordinator of MINE Teenage Ministry (@mineministry)

It is important to remember that rape is not the survivor’s fault and that consent to any type of sexual activity is necessary to prevent and refuse sexual abuse.

Consent must be freely given; it cannot be under pressure, duress or coercion.

Consent is voluntary, mutual and sober agreement to sexual activity and it can only be given by someone who is able to give it. For instance, A child under a certain age depending on where you live or someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol CANNOT GIVE CONSENT. 

It is important for young people to recognize and avoid situations that can put them at risk of rape.

The following tips are useful to prevent rape.

• Consent must be sought before engaging in sexual activities.
• Trust your instincts and leave when someone is making you feel uncomfortable or in danger.
• Be clear about your sexual limits when you go out on a date with someone. (Be firm in saying your abstinence- NO)
• Do not collect gifts or money from anyone you know can demand for sex in return. (Although these days, you can’t fully ascertain but one thing to do is to be careful of the underlying intentions of the gifts you are receiving).
• Be assertive when you say NO verbally and non-verbally to avoid confusion.
• Do not take alcohol/drugs especially when you are out at parties or with someone you do not trust.
• Report to your parent or any trusted adult if anybody touches you in a manner that makes you uncomfortable.
• Trust no one except yourself.

Boys should join their efforts in putting an end to all forms of sexual abuse against girls (and boys) and learn to respect the rights of girls. Raping a girl does not prove that you are a man, if anything, it proves otherwise.

We also have individuals that are ever willing to help out amidst our team (MINE Teenage Ministry) if you are a victim such that you can get help quickly and in some other instances, you could be as well directed to where you would get more help professionally.

 

Okunade Jesutofunmi, Current Coordinator MINE Teenage Ministry CMUL/LUTH Chapter, IdiAraba, Lagos.

ALWAYS REMEMBER THESE FRIENDLY CENTERS TOO and Here are some highly responsive 24/7 lines, NEVER STAY SILENT!

For individuals in Lagos state, the emergency number to call is 112 while the Hotline is 08137960048. 

• MINISTRY OF YOUTH & SOCIAL DEV. CHILD PROTECTION UNIT: 08077333426, 08172457792
• THE CECE YARA FOUNDATION CHILD ADVOCACY CENTRE: 07007007001, 0800 800 8001
• WOMEN AT RISK INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (WARIF) : 08092100009
• MIRABEL CENTRE (LASUTH, GRA IKEJA): 08187516199
• MINE TEENAGE MINISTRY (LUTH CHAPTER, IDI-ARABA, LAGOS): 07039848277
• LIFE AFTER ABUSE FOUNDATION: 08148090859

Let’s join hands in advocating against every form of violence.

#SayNoToRape #AdvancingAdolescentHealth #MenCanEndViolence #EndViolence

References

• Comprehensive Sexuality Education Manual by Action Health Incorporated.
• National Training Manual on Adolescent Health by Federal Ministry of Health and UNFPA (Revised 2011)
• You, Your life, Your Dreams: Book for Adolescents by Family Care International and Straight Talk Foundation.