Relatives account for 95% of sexual abuses – NAWOJ VP

Etim Ekpimah
The Vice President of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, B Zone, Comrade Omobola Akigbehin has said that 95 per cent of sexual abuses across the country are usually perpetrated by relatives of the victims while the rest may be done by strangers.
While fielding questions on a radio programme in Ikeja, Lagos State, the Vice President said all hands must be on deck to minimise the menace which has eaten deep into many homes.
She advised parents and guardians to teach their children/wards sex education to guide against the danger associated with rape.
The VP appealed to government and judiciary to ensure that proper punishment is meted on rapists and paedophiles if found guilty of the offence.
To parents and guardians, she said, “Touch Not Zones are the waist to the knees, all the way round it including the chest areas for the girl child.
“Clearly draw a permission list of those who can touch their zones and they must be personally introduced by the parent or guardian who review the list regularly,” she said.
Continuing, she said, “Have a listening ear, be free with them, monitor them and keep educating them continuously on the danger signs.
“Ninety five per cent of sexual abuses are perpetrated by close relatives especially family members and domestic staff. Strangers are just five per cent.
“Parents need to reach the children the ‘No Touch Zone,’ rules.
“Teach children the name of the body parts. As from age five, what the private parts are called and let them know it is a No Touch Zone.”