By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos – A Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Kafayah Ogunsola, on Monday called for public private collaboration among relevant stakeholders to promote the culture of speaking up in cases of rape and sexual harassment.
Ogunsola, who runs an online consulting service, Empathyspaceng, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
“We all understand that rape and sexual assaults are unpleasant situations and the reflex action is to want to hide it away from the public glare.
“The reasons behind this are not far-fetched; the victim is being protected from stigmatisation and the identity of the perpetrator is being preserved.
“This stance, however, is very detrimental to the progress of the nation.
“Every one must play his role to ensure that victims are able to report such cases to the relevant authorities without the fear of being unfairly judged; the case sabotaged, “ she said.
The consultant psychiatrist said that victims of rape must be able to receive medical and psychological support.
According to her, in such situations, the victims must be freed of any form of blame and assured of getting help from all quarters, to minimise disability from the trauma.
“The perpetrators, on the other hand, if established to be of stable mind, should be made to face the consequences of their actions.
“This should be done through a court sentence or a diversion into a mental health facility, as it obtains in developed countries.
“It is also important, for the country to have a Sex Offender Registry so that people who have previously been convicted of sex crimes are known to the relevant authorities.
“Through this, their activities can be monitored to prevent repeat offences, “ Ogunsola said. (NAN)