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By Oluwatosin Fatungase Rape is a very terrible act. The perpetrators of this evil act could be male or female. The same goes for the victims. Due to the stigma attached to rape, the victims of this act usually keep the incident to themselves. This is especially true in African countries where deeply held cultural beliefs deny the victim the required sympathy and support.

Since the advent of social media, there has been a rise in the number of reported cases of rape. This is a positive step in the right direction. Another interesting development is the invention of the ‘rape-prevention underwear’ by a group of Indian students. You can read more about it here. It will definitely take some time before the anti-rape underwear gets to Africa, but while we are waiting for it, I have compiled some helpful tips that can keep you from being raped. I am sure you will find them very useful. 1.) As a lady, avoid going alone to a male person’s house, especially if it is someone you don’t really know. 2.) Avoid taking any drink or food at a guy’s house. You can buy your own drink and keep it in your bag. 3.) As a young lady, always carry pepper spray, nail cutter, pens (I know this is not popular in Africa). Keep the items within easy reach, especially if you are going to be alone in a guy’s house. They will come handy, if there is any foul play. 4.) Learn some self defence skills 5.) Avoid late night outings, dark corners and roads. 6.) Avoid entering vehicles with strange faces. 7.) Always inform a responsible friend or adult of your whereabouts. 8.) The rapists can be familiar people. Be ready always. 9.) Do not dress provocatively. 10.) Do not have the false belief that you cannot be raped. Protect yourself. My Quotes: There is no good reason for rape to occur The rapist and victim can either be male or female The victim of rape can be destroyed forever. The victim or rapist can be anyone. Stop the stigma against rape victims. Rapists should be punished according to the laws of the land. The victims should seek help from a professional councellor. Oluwatosin Fatunga speaks and motivates future leaders. She also consults for parents, teachers and guardians on how to love, train, discipline and communicate effectively with children and teenagers. Presently, she speaks to over a thousand teenagers monthly at different secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria. Blog: www.2alkaboutit.blogspot.com, Email: tosinfatung08 [at] yahoo.com, Twitter: @oluwatosinfatun Image Credit: www.emceezlog.blogspot.com