The Monster We Need To Stop

 

Photo credit: simplyalero

Studies in the charts of the violation and abuse of the girl child
increases at a remarkable rate everyday. Especially, those who fall
within the age brackets of ( 8-12 ), ( 12-16 ), and above. Wow! You
will be alarmed to know that these acts molestation, sexual offences,
and, abuse of the female gender increases with each day that passes
by, and it's like has happened, and it's like we sweep under the
carpet. Little or zero attention is given to this matter arising and
issues concerning  these young girls; the pain they go through, the
shame they live with, and the fear they face, is only known by them,
and they carry it with them every day.
RAPE - this is an act whereby someone is being forced by another
person to have sex when they do not want to, against their wish,
without their consent, by threatening or use of violence. MOLESTATION
- this is an act in which somebody is being subjected to unwanted
sexual advances and activity, especially a child.
Through the years, it has been revealed that young girls and ladies
have been suffering from these cruel of injury and violation. Yet, our
society sits idly, little or nothing is done to prevent, fight,
reduce, or stop this monster. We should know that this monster which
has eaten deep into our skin, that we ignore; is not relentless, in
fact it is increasing in its wicked act,of violation, and, leaving
those around us, if not us, as victims.
The question is; why we would any right thinking person think of such
evil in their hearts? Why would anyone carry out such catastrophic
act, ruining the lives of young and helpless girls who are yet to
become full grown women? And, why would anyone take advantage of the
girl child? These questions are asked everyday but no one seems to
find a candid answer. Sociologists, psychologists and others have
tried to fish-out the reasons and intentions behind such evil acts,
but still don't have candid answers to give or show. At times when
these questions are asked, no response is given, and when a response
is given, it's totally unacceptable, and just not right. And the sad
thing is; these monsters get away with their crimes, or at least most
of them, especially in this part of the world where I come from. When
issues like this occur, little or no justice is applied. Ironically,
most times, the victims become taunted, as they are subjected to
ridicule by members of the society.
We may not have the right answers, but these girls have become
victims. They go through pain, shame, stigmatization and other words
that are inexpressible. The end result is usually devasting and in
extremis of which without divine intervention, becomes a tragedy, as
these victims become tales of a dent image. Some become trapped in
their past, some carry fear in their hearts, some loose their self
esteem and have inferiority complex. Some in the process end up with
unwanted pregnancies, some with a deadly disease, and, some end up
psychologically lost if not mentally deranged. But one thing that is
similar with all of them is that; they all end up loosing their
innocence at a very young and delicate stage in their lives. Leaving
their dreams shattered, they become shadows of their past, it may only
take the hand of God for a divine change and intervention in their
lives.
Anything could happen at anytime, anywhere, and to anybody. Never
judge or make a mockery of these victims because they never asked to
be abused, or feel unconcerned about them, because you don't know the
pain they feel, and how much it hurts. Rather, we should try our best
to bring them out of their misery, and back to a life of hope. We
should not wait for this monster to catch up with us or those we love
before we take a stand and fight back! Let us help these victims,
break their silence, and be their voice. Let us give them the courage
to stand again. As for the monster, we need to stop them before they
destroy us.

(Originally written and published as a column at the Oduduwa University Press Board by Okotie-Eboh Jennifer, 2015)