Some Silver lining in Curbing Sexual Assault in Africa

When the news first broke out on a newspaper stable a few days ago on “Woman accuses Lagos DPO of rape” it looked like it was going to be the usual case of quick dismissal by police authorities as “unfounded” (actually the police officer at the centre of this saga “denied the allegation, saying it was all falsehood”). The stage was set to see how the police would handle the situation in a society where there is little or no faith in the police and in their willingness and capacity to undertake transparent investigation. This case is even more complicated because the police themselves are accused and it takes a lot of integrity currency to investigate oneself in all sincerity and honesty. One is happy to report a news follow up that “Police detain Lagos DPO for rape”. Steps of hope if followed through.

There is one huge Pandora's Box that only a few people are willing to open in our usual discussions about various forms of abuse that go on in the hands of agents of the state. It is about what happens to detainees in various police stations, "special squad" units, and numerous other detention centres that are operated by various security forces, legally or illegally. People are often held in detention for periods well beyond salutatory sentences applicable to their alleged offence if they were to be convicted of such offences, and those lucky enough to come out alive have narrated their horrible experience in such largely unregulated detention centres. Sexual abuse of women (and occasional of men) in the hands of their captors is alleged to be so rife but due to the shame and stigmatization association with mere report of sexual abuse, most of the survivors nurse their deep seated wounds in silence.  I had discussed a similar issue in a past post referenced @ http://uwomeze.blogspot.com/2013/05/uncivilised-treatment-of-female.html

Now we have to move forward from just discussing these issues to proffering practical solutions. Most of the people (NGOs, police, lawyers, medical officers etc) working in addressing the problems of sexual violence in Africa, especially in Nigeria, have received little or no training on the management of sexual violence and on important areas to focus on when there is a complaint or allegation of sexual assault.  An excerpt from a medical report, “…no laceration, no bruises, no areas of hyperemia, negative for HIV 1 and 2, pregnancy negative. Has been placed on PEP and emergency contraception”, credited to the medical officer mentioned in the news may be a portrayal of the prevailing mindset on the expectations of the society or the authorities when a woman reports a sexual assault. There is a huge need for training of members of relevant NGOs, police, social workers, lawyers, judicial officials, medical officers and others involved in management of sexual violence. To this end, we will be conducting practical training sessions on Forensic Management of Sexual Violence in Nigeria and in other African countries as collaboration and support grow in the effort to curb this silent epidemic tearing at the soul of our collective health (in all ramifications) and dignity. Some of the existing laws will require a second look taking into cognizance contemporary knowledge and understanding about sexual violence. There is also urgent need to introduce modern approach to fighting this scourge in Africa. It is far beyond the presence or absence of injuries on the body of survivors. The core issue(s) must be addressed.

 In the meantime, there is a change we can immediately effect without necessarily any change in legislation. We must accept that “No” means “No” and this must be respected at all times! And we should salute the courage of survivors who brave the cowardly blackmail and intimidation to report this abuse. Gradually, we will get to the stage where the shame and stigmatization associated with sexual violence will be directed at the appropriate subjects-the perpetrators.