Stakeholders must act now to stop would-be rapists
26.SEPT.08
Editor: The apparent increase of violent rape has caused as much concern and, indeed, as much panic as one would expect.
While rape is not a new phenomenon, it is clear that this type of crime is on the increase. At the very least, there is an increase in reported cases. The community is now abuzz with wide speculation as to possible suspects and rumours about attacks, both real and imagined.{{more}} The police have, as usual, called for assistance from persons with information on cases, and have also stressed the need for individuals to be vigilant in their own safety. However, the public outcry grows louder with each new attack.
Reports also indicate that people still flout the idea of safety. I once heard a young lady utter that she didnât like burglar bars on her windows because they looked unattractive. We continually hear about persons attacked in areas and at times of the day that are obviously unsafe and indefensible. No one condones criminality, except criminals, but there is enough evidence to suggest that too many attacks are caused by a reckless disregard for life and limb. We wonder whether persons are aware of the current crisis or whether on becoming aware they resort to the idea, as many do about the issue of HIV infection, that it is something that happens to other people and that they themselves are somehow exempt and untouched.
What is required is more public debate about how individuals can become more safety conscious. Here the mediaâs role is essential. While reporting cases of rape will keep the issue alive publicly, there appears to be no forum for regular, informed discussions on how individuals can live safer, especially as it relates to single women who live alone, the group which is apparently the main target. To address the issue as solely a police matter is too narrow and helps no one. To withhold vital information and not report cases, while criticizing the police on the quality of investigations is unfair. To make it solely a matter for the government of the day to solve disregards the duty of each individual to play it safe. This is not to say that there is no discussion whatsoever, but too much air time is lent to trivial bickering while the greater issue of crime and safety is ignored. Meanwhile, people continue to live in fear, as though they are prisoners in their own homes. Imagine someone living alone in an area in a home close to a very recent attack. Imagine the absolute fear that grips such persons.
Still, the average citizen must be more vigilant and the media needs to adopt the issue with a renewed sense of urgency. This is the first step in helping to change our reckless culture of thinking. Persons must be sensitized as to safety in terms of where they live and how simple every day movements may attract rapists. It is to be noted that victims are probably often stalked before they are attacked, which may explain why many attacks have been successful. No longer must burglar bars be considered an eyesore. A young lady was nearly attacked once while rummaging for her keys in her handbag near her home. Instead of having the keys in her hand at the ready, she allowed her assailant enough time while she was distracted to attempt to pounce on her. Some people resort to living with roommates so as to never be alone. Others invest in large dogs to guard their property. A person must determine from their own circumstance what measure best applies to them and their own situation. Some measures would mean minor or major inconveniences in every day life, but this is a small price to pay to live in peace and security.
It is too late to lament about how safe it once was. Older people remember a time when one slept with windows and doors open. The sad truth is that sexual offences, however, are now marked with a depravity and a level of violence never before seen. Such is the lesson of Lokeisha Nanton, a case that leaves a scar on our collective memory that may never heal. This is the time for all stakeholders to act. We must always pray for the peace and security of our land and our people, but as the present situation dictates, we must also act.
Perry Joseph
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