By Philip AmiolaSIR: A 2019 study by NOI Polls found that three out 10 respondents know someone who has been raped in the past and 72 per cent of the victims are minors (1-15 years) while 24 percent are young adults aged 16-25 years.Earlier in 2017, the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics had reported 2,279 cases of rape and indecent assault. But the actual figures could be much higher since many cases are not reported for fear of further victimization and lack of faith in the criminal justice system.All of these points to the need for urgent and decisive action to not only bring perpetrators to book but also challenge the entire system that supports the prevalence of this menace.There is no simple solution to the problem of sexual predation. And candidly, even the most respectable persons can get entangled in either side of the problem, given the right circumstances.This reflects the insight of first-century preacher, Saul of Tarsus, in a letter to his followers: If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.Eugene Petersons paraphrase is even more incisive: Dont be so naive and self-confident. Youre not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else.A lot of advocacy on sexual predation and gender-based violence has been geared towards punitive measures. While it is indeed important to punish offenders and seek justice for victims, we must not neglect the fact that we can begin to make immediate gains by implementing preventive and protective measures.In many cases, acts of sexual predation and abuse dont just happen. They are the culmination of personality problems, wrong values, media violence, sexual innuendos, grooming and various kinds of inappropriate behaviour that have been overlooked or explained away.Organizations must start paying attention to minor misconducts and questionable behaviours that might be symptoms of deeper problems.If we commit to addressing these underlying issues through a deliberate process that enforces proper behaviour and reinforces the right values, we will see significant gains in our fight against sexual predation and abuse.One practical way to start moving in the right direction is to create and conscientiously implement a safeguarding policy in every organization, especially schools, religious organizations, hospitals and other institutions that care for children and youths.A safeguarding policy expresses the organizations commitment to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse, harassment, neglect, violence or any form of harm. It also assigns responsibilities and outlines procedures for dealing with issues that may arise.Everyone must take responsibility for implementing preventive and protective measures against all forms of abuse, especially sexual predation and gender based violence.To this end, all members of staff should be trained to identify violations and take appropriate action.As individuals and organizations, we must take responsibility for our actions and inactions. What we dont challenge will not change. We have the responsibility to stand against sexual misconduct and abuse, thereby playing our part towards creating a more inclusive world.Philip Amiola, www.philipamiola.org.
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