Activist urges rape victims to speak out

The Founder of Grace Foundation, Mrs Jaiye Olaniyi, has urged rape victims to report to relevant authorities for the perpetrators to be punished. Olaniyi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ilorin that concealing such an act would only encourage the perpetrators, instead of cautioning them. She said though stigmatisation was the […]

The Founder of Grace Foundation, Mrs Jaiye Olaniyi, has urged rape victims to report to relevant authorities for the perpetrators to be punished.

Olaniyi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ilorin that concealing such an act would only encourage the perpetrators, instead of cautioning them.

She said though stigmatisation was the major reason why most victims did not speak out; reporting to the appropriate authorities would help to curb the menace.

“The organisation encourages victims to speak out and not hesitate to report cases of abuse to the relevant authorities.

“Although, I understand the stigmatisation that a rape victim faces as far as our society is concerned but we shouldn’t encourage these criminals by keeping quiet.

“It is only when such cases are reported that it can be acted upon and also when the evidences have not been tampered with.

“So, it is better not to mind the stigmatisation and avoid suffering in both ways.’’ Olaniyi said.

She, however, called on parents, especially mothers, to be more watchful of their kids as rape now involved more children who are minors.