SEXUAL VIOLENCE & COERCION

Often times we associate Sexual violence to just assault and rape. On the contrary, it is a broad and complex issue. We are either victims or perpetrators of this human degrading act.

I'm a victim of sexual violence and never thought I had prerogative to shame and attack people who tried to make light of tragedy. To all victims like me, we are strongest when we raise our voices together. We must continue to speak up against rape and sexual violence against children. Not everyone turns out to be strong like us……………... Vina Theo-Adams

 

Sexual Violence is to obtain sexual act by violence or coercion, acts to traffic a person or acts directed against a person's sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim.

Sexual Abuse; is an unwanted sexual activity with perpetrators using force, making threats or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent, especially minors in most cases.

Sexual Exploitation; is the act of sexual abuse through the exchange of sex for appointments, privileges, promotion, drugs, food, shelter, protection, other basics of life, including money.

Sexual Assault/Rape; is a form of sexual violence, and it includes rape (such as forced vaginal, anal or oral penetration or drug facilitated sexual assault), groping, child sexual abuse, or the torture of the person in a sexual manner.

Sexual Harassment; is persistent and unwanted sexual advances, typically in the workplace where the consequences of refusing are potentially very disadvantageous to the victim.

Stalking; is unwanted or obsessive attention by an individual towards another person. It is a behavior related to harassment and intimidation, a pattern of behavior that makes you feel afraid, nervous, harassed, or in danger, it is when someone repeatedly contacts you, follows you, sends you messages or sexual images. Stalking becomes sexual harassment when the perpetrator is persistently after the other person for sexual reasons.

Trafficking; is an illegal sex deal or trade, most times against the subject or victim’s will. In fact in most cases under durex and stringent conditions.

Indecent Exposure; is a deliberate act in the 21st century, it is the exposure of sensitive part of the body in public or in view of the general public by a person who has no respect for a portion or portions of his or her body, especially in circumstances where the exposure is contrary to local moral or other standards of appropriate behavior.

Degrading Sexual Imagery; Sexually provocative or erotic imagery (or sounds, suggestions, and subliminal messages) that are specifically designed to arouse interest for sex, brand or services.

Voyeurism; is the practice of gaining sexual pleasure from watching others when they are naked or engaged in sexual activity.

Cyber Harassment; It is generally understood to be the use of the Internet or other electronic means to harass an individual, a form of cyberbullying it may include false accusations, defamation, slander, libel and solicitation for sex. It also involves gathering information that may be used to threaten, embarrass or harass.

With the above forms of sexual violence, you will agree with me that it is a broad issue that needs to be addressed at all level and if we respect human dignity then we must put a stop or mitigate these inhuman acts. One way or the other, we are all playing a role as perpetrators or victims, either as an individual, company, organization or group.

April is marked “Sexual Assault Awareness” month. The theme for this year is “Engaging New Voices”. It seeks to create public awareness on the menace of sexual violence in the society and world at large.

In marking this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness; Fresh Life Care Foundation in collaboration with 98 Works and Love Planet International Foundation, will be focusing more on sensitizing Parents and Children on the existing sexual assault in our homes and communities. There is urgent need to prevent these menace and encourage victims to speak out.

Children are more on the receiving end. Parents aren't paying attention, some are too busy to even notice that their kids are assaulted daily. Others pretend not to know because the perpetrator is either their brother, sister, husband or boyfriend.

Boys are also at disadvantage, the society and cultural stigma precludes them from speaking out because they are considered weaklings and something that shouldn't be spoken or heard. Boys are assaulted by both men and women as well as women likewise.

Say No To Rape!

Say No To Abuse!

Let Us Stand For What Is Right!

…………………...Victor Akra

Sexual Violence is harmful, degrading and causes depression!

Don’t be a victim, support those that are already victims.

Avoid being a perpetrator and fight against it.