The Culture of Silence

WEEK 4 ARTICLE DESIGNS – VICTOR-CULTURE OF SILENCE

The Culture of Silence: Why Victims of Child Sexual Abuse Don’t Speak Up

Tragic Incidents: A Harsh Reality

A few days ago, a tragic and disturbing incident happened in my State, Anambra. A 9-year-old girl, Peculiar, was brutally raped—which involved both vaginal and anal penetration—by her biological father. Moses Anayo Usulor, a renowned content creator and humanitarian, popularly known as “Lord Zeus,” took it upon himself to seek justice for the young victim but the victim’s mother publicly begged Lord Zeus to drop the case. According to her, the perpetrator’s family and relatives were threatening her life.

Another tragic incident happened in Edo State, which left an indelible mark on the lives of two young girls. A Police Inspector, Kingsley, abused his position of power to repeatedly rape two innocent 12 and 13-year-old girls. The horror continued until the victims’ family discovered that the 13-year-old girl was four months pregnant. As the truth began to unfold, the victims were forced to speak up to relive their traumatic experiences. The pregnant girl revealed that Inspector Kingsley once brought abortion pills and tried forcing her to take them but out of fear of losing her life, she refused to succumb to his demands. Inspector Kingsley was later arrested but was released immediately due to his connections which he had always boasted about. He evaded justice and this left the victims’ families feeling betrayed and helpless—and the kids brutally hurt by the actions of a man sworn to protect them.”

Understanding Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse refers to any sexual activity or behaviour imposed on a child by an adult or older child. It can take many forms, including touching, fondling, penetration, or exposure to sexual content. [1]

UNICEF reported in 2015 that one in four girls and one in ten boys in Nigeria had experienced sexual violence before the age of 18.[2] And according to a survey by Positive Action for Treatment Access, over 31.4 percent of girls there said that their first sexual encounter had been rape or forced sex of some kind.[3]

The Devastating Consequences

Millions of children in Nigeria and worldwide are victims of this abuse and the perpetrators are mostly trusted individuals or authorities, including parents, siblings, relations, school teachers, prefects, and even religious authorities.

This violation of trust leaves deep emotional scars that can last a lifetime. These scars often remain buried, hidden by fear. When emotional or psychological wounds are not openly acknowledged or expressed, they can have a profound and lasting impact, affecting each victim in a unique and deeply personal way.

The Culture of Silence

Most times these victims don’t consider speaking up because nobody would believe them, and most importantly, they’re not ready to face the stigmatization that comes with being a victim of sexual abuse.

One of the effects of not speaking up is that it breeds more perpetrators and in turn, leads to an increase in child sexual abuse in Nigeria and the world at large. And as the Italian-born American human rights activist, Ginetta Sagan said: “Silence in the face of injustice is complicity with the oppressor.”

Statistics: A Call to Action

According to LASUTH in 2012, out of a total number of 287 reported cases of sexual assault, 83% (238) of the victims were below the age of 19.[4] Another one-year survey conducted at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital between 2012 and 2013 revealed that 70% of sexual assault victims were under the age of 18.[5] These devastating statistics are a result of the victims not speaking up and seeking justice.

Breaking the Silence

We need to create an atmosphere where these victims can stand up for themselves knowing that we, society would listen to them, help them seek justice, and also not judge or blame them for being a victim of child sexual abuse. It’s crucial to remove any form of stigmatization that comes with this devastating epidemic.

We also need to educate children about their body parts, their functions, and the importance of privacy. We should teach them about online safety and etiquette and as well as monitor their online activities.

Conclusion

Child sexual abuse is a devastating reality that affects millions of children worldwide. It’s a crime that leaves deep emotional scars, promotes a culture of silence, and enables perpetrators to continue their inhumane actions. It’s not too late to break the silence and shine a light on this hidden epidemic. With a collective responsibility, we can protect our children and create a safer environment for them to thrive, and be free from fear, exploitation, and abuse. A world where every child is valued, respected, and protected. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no child has to suffer in silence.

Victor Onyekwelu