No one deserves to be abused, harassed, assaulted or raped

I was working on a post about “why social media detox is good for your mental health”, but I decided to pull the breaks on that one Because; this is 2020 and there’s nothing normal about the year.

The past couple of days has been overwhelming, to say the least.

while we were still trying to come to terms with the gruesome murder of George Floyd, news of a young girl who was raped in the church hit the cyberspace.

Dear 2020, we have had enough trouble!

A lot of well-meaning individuals have taken to the streets, many are making good use of their platforms to create awareness, demistify rape and campaign against the monsters who are behind these vile acts; this is so commendable.

No one deserves to be assaulted, harassed or raped.

Sexual assault is despicable!

it is barbaric!

it is a desecration of the soul!

No one deserves to experience it!

Unfortunately our law enforcement agencies are weak and docile. Largely ill equipped to handle these kind of situations.

Sadly! anyone can be a target, regardless of your age, gender, race or ethnicity. I have friends and family members who have been absused sexually.

Rapists don’t have a type, neither do they have a name tag that says “hey there I’m a rapist” rape can happen anywhere and anyone can be a victim.

These are some of the reasons why we need to do everything we can to reduce the risks of its occurrence.

Lets start from the known to the unknown

People have been sexually assaulted by friends and family members, this type of situation often starts innocent and fun and quickly escalates into something more serious. This type of sexual assult is often the most ignored and eaily dismissed because the victims are usually too ashamed to speak out worse still, in most cases, no one even believes them when they do.

you can help yourself reduce your risks as much as possible.

• Endeavor to avoid hangounts that involve drugs and alcholol.

• Avoid drugs and alcohol

• Try as much as possible to have company even when around familiar faes.

• Be assertive. Have boundries and communicate it, becaue sometimes your passivity could be perceived as permission.

• Do not give someone the chance to violate your wishes or boundaries.

• Trust your instincts.
  If you feel uncomfortable or threatened around an acquaintance or your partner, get out of the situations immediately.
  
  
  Try to Always move around with company!
  
  Always lock all windows and doors in your home.
  
  Be careful how you let delivery people or sales people into your home.
  
  If you come home alone and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry don’t go in. Go to the nearest phone and call the police.
  
  
  Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
  
  Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
  
  Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
  
  If you are in trouble, attract help any way you can.
  
  
  Keep your car in good working order and the gas tank at least half full.

• 
  Park in well-lighted areas and lock the doors, even if you’ll only be gone a short time.
  
  
  Drive with all the doors locked.
  
  
  Walk around with pepper spray.