“RAPE Is Growing Because Many Cases Go UNREPORTED!” – Funke Oguntuga

Rape is a widespread problem in Nigeria coupled with the culture of silence surrounding it. Besides the violation and stigma, it also exposes women to the risk of poor reproductive health as a result of infection with STDs and HIV/AIDS.

The victims, almost always women, tend not to report instances of rape because they are afraid of being blamed for having behaved in ways that invite rapists.

Undeniably, rape is growing because of this seeming conspiracy blame victims but let rapists off the hook, however, anti-Rape Activists are not downcast by this and have continued to throw their weight behind efforts to eradicate the rape culture in Nigeria.

Standing tall among these social crusaders is FUNKE OGUNTUGA – she is a communicator (MA Mass Communication) and the Founder of Heartminders Societal Advancement Initiative @heartmindersnig, a 100% not-for-profit organization that seeks among other things to create a healthier society.

Funke Oguntuga

A mom of 3 adorable children, Funke worked in the banking sector for nine years before resigning to launch ‘Heartminders’ to focus on the sensitization of rape and sexual abuse – her organization also teach sex education in Lagos schools and run campaigns and seminars.

In this expository interview with Stamp Out GBV @stampoutgbv, she takes us through her life journey to the fight against rape and sexual abuse. Excerpts...

Any experiences in life that propelled you into sexual violence or anti-rape advocacy?

Funke: Yes. I am a rape survivor. I was abused by my neighbour at age 16 but the passion I have for young people and the need for a healthier society, pushes me more than my personal life experience.

Sexual violence is an issue that’s being taken likely. Why do you think this happens?

Funke: This is majorly because of the culture of SILENCE. Our society is such that stigmatize and shame victims thereby boxing them to the corner of silence.

Speaking up often times results in rejection by families and communities, and with police sometimes unwilling to make official reports. Due to this stigma, women and adolescents may be unwilling or unable to obtain a medical examination to substantiate their report of rape.

We must acknowledge that rape is a growing problem and growing reproductive health concern whether people talk about it or not. The general population, government and lawmakers need to understand the epidemic proportions of the crime and its potential long-term impact on the health of victims. This will help facilitate more structured interventions.

What preventative measures can one take to avoid being a victim of rape?

Funke: Telling women that they can behave in a certain way to avoid rape creates a false sense of security. Let me be clear: Women are not sexually assaulted because they drink too much, or walk home alone, or wear revealing clothes. They are assaulted because someone made the decision to commit a violent act against them. Following these precautions doesn't let perpetrators off the hook. But since rapists exist and are out there choosing victims, it's understandable to want to do whatever you can to keep yourself safe.

§  Trust your instinct

§  Drink responsibly

§  Guide your online privacy

§  Avoid being alone in isolated locations

§  If you feel you are in danger of being attacked try to escape the situation by running away from it if you can.

Can sexual abusers control/contain the abnormal urge in them?

Funke: Absolutely. Sexual abusers can control their urges; no-one needs to rape someone for sexual satisfaction. Rape is an act of violence and control, not sexual gratification. It cannot be explained away and there are no excuses.

Do men suffer sexual violence too and can they be helped?

Funke: Yes. Men are also raped and sexually assaulted. The majority of sexual assaults and rapes are committed by men against women and children but women do perpetrate sexual violence. Often, people who've been sexually assaulted or abused by a woman are particularly fearful that they will not be believed or that their experiences won't be considered 'as bad' as being raped by a man. This can make it especially difficult for these survivors to access services or justice. But, they can be helped if they voice out.

Some say it’s impossible for a wife to be raped by her husband as he has rights over her since they are married. What’s your take?

Funke: Rape is rape, whether it happens in or out of marriage. Marital rape does exist and it is the most under reported form of rape. Through our frontline work at Heartminders, we know that sexual violence survivors often struggle with feelings of shame, guilt and self-blame that can make it difficult to talk to anyone about their experiences how much more in marriage. Reality is, African men especially, have this sense of ownership of their wives like every other property they own. This is why men tend to get away with non-consensual intercourse in marriage. That, however, does not change the fact that rape is rape regardless of the relationship between the rapist and the victim.

Can rape in a marriage be reported?

Funke: Yes!

Talking about Government Agencies - do you think the Federal or State Governments are doing enough in the anti-rape fight?

Funke: Lagos state Government is leaving no stone unturned to see to the total eradication of this despicable act and this is evident in the recent opening of sexual offenses courts. The federal government is not doing enough. They should commit adequate resources to efforts to track down offenders, while encouraging victims to come forward and lodge reports with the police. Governments at all levels should declare zero-tolerance towards rape in the country.

Have they prosecuted any offenders? Kindly give figures if you have them?

Funke: The Nigerian criminal code recommends life imprisonment for rape convicts and 14 years for attempted rape, but according to reports, only 18 people have ever been convicted in Nigeria despite thousands of reported cases.

Sexual abuse matters in law courts are sometimes frustrated by the government, which usually acts as the prosecution.

Government agents who are saddled with checking sexual assaults, especially the police and public prosecutors, compromise their profession. There are so many contributing factors.

The government has the necessary organizations and structure to help abused individuals, how can violated persons access them?

Funke: I am very familiar with Domestic Violence Response Team in Lagos; they can be contacted via 112 and they are available on all social media platforms. I may not be able to speak for another State in the country.

What kind of advocacy do you take to schools?

Funke: We advocate for sex education from an early age so as to create awareness of the implication of some actions that can eventually lead to rape thereby preventing such.

Funke Oguntuga

Kindly share with us some of the tips you've offered school children on defending themselves against predators.

Funke: Talking about child predators is not a comfortable topic of conversation, but one that’s absolutely necessary.

The most important message we share with children is that child molesters are very cunning in their deception – they have to be in order to get away with these despicable acts. Children – innocent, naive and trusting – are the most susceptible to the deliberate tricks and ploys a predator uses to gain their trust, as well as the family’s trust.

Pedophiles are notoriously friendly, engaging, nice and likable.

On the outside, they have a great looking life and are well-liked by others. They strategically target their victims, often installing themselves into a child’s life through family, school, church, sports, and activities.

More rape cases are being reported in the news nowadays. What do you think could be responsible?

Funke: It is difficult for a week or two to pass without the ministry, NGOs receiving a report of rape. The major factor behind the increasing menace of rape and sexual abuse in the country is the fact that many cases go unreported because of the fear of stigma of the victims in the society.

But rape is something that is reported only when the damage had been done. It is something you can’t see, we only see the damage. We can only increase advocacy and talk more about it because most cases of rape involved repeat offenders so breaking the silence is the answer. Victims/ survivors needs to come out and speak out.

Who are the potential or likely rapists?

Funke: There is no profile of a potential rapist but there are behavioural characteristics. According to experts...

§  Men who makes inappropriate jokes on women.

§  Indulges himself too much into self stimulating activities.

§  Touches a woman without their consent and also at inappropriate places several times (accidental touch occurs once and a gentleman apologizes for that straight away).

§  Invades private spaces and is unapologetic about it.

§  Says inappropriate things to a woman or makes indecent gestures

§  stalks, in real life.

...are potential rapists.

Do you counsel rape victims, too? What advice do you have for them to move on with their lives?

Funke: No. We refer to experts.

There's no such thing as moving on with their lives; victims should seek help. Victims should not be afraid of the Criminal Justice System; we are all here to help them. We refer victims to Mirabel Center for treatment and we treat them with compassion and dignity.

Who are your role models (National and International) in the fight against Rape?

Funke: I honestly don't have role models, only women I admire for their tenacity and audacious moves. Dr. Princess Olufemi-Kayode, Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba, Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Diane Cranley, Ayodeji Osowobi, Esther Ijewere and many more.