Society has made us believe that ‘good women’ never get raped because of the way they dress and carry themselves. The rape victims have been silenced and subjected to trauma less they be judged by people. They have had to bear the brunt of another man’s choice against their will.
Rape doesn’t have to be a violent attack. If a strange man violently has sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent, it is rape. Remember if a woman is raped, it is not because she failed to avoid rape rather it was because a man stronger forced himself on her. The act is carried out in the strangest setting and in different circumstances. No matter how it wants to be covered up, let’s call a spade a spade- a woman’s no is no and rape is vile.
It is exhilarating to see that more women are coming out to speak out against rape despite the stigma, fear and trauma associated with the experience. There is no right or wrong way to behave to avoid rape but there are certain things a lady can do to make her less likely to fall victim:
*Do your work with other women. Women are safer and stronger when they work in groups.
*Be very security conscious. Don’t give room for strangers into your space.
*Don’t walk alone at nights. Avoid lonely paths. If you must, walk confidently with head and shoulders up. Rapists are most likely to attack fearful women.
*If you feel someone is following you, try walking in another direction, or go meet someone else, a house, or a store.
*Take along something with you that will make a loud noise, like a whistle. Also, go with something that you can use to defend yourself e.g. stick or hot pepper sprays.
* If you are attacked, scream very loud or use your whistle. If this does not work, hit back quickly to hurt him, so that you may be able to escape.