The word RAPE erupts feelings of emptiness and psychological trauma to the heart of many, most especially it's victims. RAPE is an antisocial act perpetuated by psychopaths. Because, no normal human being would be willing to forcefully have sexual intercourse with a lady without her consent. It really sucks in my own opinion!
This write up will primarily consider the definition, statistics, effects on its victims, types of rape, prevention and treatment of rape. Rape is not taken lightly in developed nations of the world. Unfortunately, reverse happens to be the situation in our continent - Africa as many of these cases go unreported due to victimization, oppression, stigmatization and a weak law that doesn't punish offenders seriously. Rape should not be taken with levity due to its grave consequences. Victims should endeavor to seek justice by reporting cases of rape to appropriate authorities (police) so as to curb and curtail this antisocial menace that is plaguing our society on a more alarming rate.
DEFINITION
Without further ado, the word RAPE originates from the Latin "rapere" (supine stem raptum) meaning to snatch, to grab, to carry off. Rape is a type of "sexual assault" usually involving "sexual intercourse" or other forms of sexual penetration perpetuated against a person without that person's "consent". The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority or against a person who is incapable of "valid consent", such as one who is unconscious, incapacitated or below the legal age of consent (18 years in Nigeria and many other countries ).
Furthermore, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime defines rape as sexual intercourse without valid consent. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization in 2002 defines rape as physically forced or otherwise coerced penetration even if slightly of vulva or anus, using penis, other body parts or an object. From the above definitions, one can correctly deduce certain keywords in the definition of rape which includes: coercion, use of force and lack of sexual consent.
CAUSES OF RAPE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Having examined the definition of RAPE, it's imperative to study and consider the causes of rape. Rape is synonymous to sexual violence as both words can be used interchangeably. Therefore, some of the causes of sexual violence may include;
1. Beliefs in family honour and sexual purity as in cases of incestual rape.
2. Ideologies of male sexual entitlement as found in most cases of spousal rape. Are you amazed? Yes, it's very possible for a husband to rape his wife.
3. Weak legal sanctions for sexual offenders.
4. Chauvinistic mentality by psychopaths.
5. Anger, hatred and desire for power. Sometimes, anger is being fueled by hatred towards the victim.
6. Sadism.
7. Sexual gratification and luxury. A feeling of sexual satisfaction by the offender.
8. Psychopathy- a mental disorder in which an individual manifests amoral and antisocial behavior, lack of ability to love or establish meaningful personal relationships, extreme egocentricity, failure to learn from experience, etc.
9. Drug facilitated sexual assault DFSA ( Predator rape). The offender's sense of judgement is being clouded and impaired, caused by the use of either drug/alcohol or both. The offender has no total control of his behaviors and actions, hence he or she may commit rape.
Most importantly, 99% of rapists are male and only on few and awkward situations will you find female sexual offenders.
TYPES OF RAPE
There are many types and forms of rape that are based on ethnicity, beliefs and situations. Some of this may stupefy you. Below are some of the most common types of rape in the world.
1. DATE RAPE: usually occurs during or after a date between two people.
2. MARITAL (SPOUSAL) RAPE: yes! Married couples can be guilty of spousal rape too. In a situation where the wife is unwilling to have sexual intercourse and the husband forcefully engage her, it is a criminal offense which is least common in our African society. It is also a non consensual sex where the perpetrator is the victim's spouse.
3. GANG RAPE: Members of a gang perpetuate their evil lustful desires on a lady in order to humiliate and molest her.
4. INCESTUAL RAPE: usually comes with the act of incest. Sex between members of a family or people related by blood. For example, Father-daughter, brother-sister, uncle-cousin sexual relationships etc.
5. WAR RAPE: It is carried out during war and in war zones by militants and rebels.
6. PRISON RAPE: Often times, a correctional facility is the habitation of sexual molestation, rape, sodomy, homo sexuality and what have you. Inmates are being raped without report and notification of the prison authorities.
7. ACQUAINTANCE RAPE: This usually occurs between someone you don't really know much about. The perpetrator might be staying in your neighborhood or someone you know few details about. I refer to this type as opportunistic rapist.
8. STATUTORY RAPE: A cynical psychopath whose life has been abashed to a level of hopelessness, who enjoys torturing his victims before carrying out his lustful desire. This sect of rapists need both psychological and medical evaluation over a long period of time.
9. CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: This is the most common form of abuse. The vulnerability of these children are taken advantage of by an unsuspecting adult. This creates a deep sense of fear on the children as they are not bold or knowledgeable enough to express the scene to either of their parents.
Subsequently, watch out for the final part of this writing which will consider the effects of rape and solutions or remedy to victims. Stay blessed!
Oke Oluwatimilehin .
