BE NEITHER VICTIM NOR PERPETRATOR THIS FESTIVE

Sir,

Holidays are the best time to enjoy and make remarkable memories with our families, friends, spouses and loved ones, again they can be filled with fear, sorrow, regrets and potentially further harm, so they require an individual to be highly responsible and aware of their when and whereabouts. The chances and opportunities given to everyone should be utilised effectively, as a way of appraisal and reward to oneself for all that had happened throughout the year and as a way for a fresh start for the upcoming year. A majority of emaSwati get to travel all the different four regions of Eswatini through road trips, family trips, attending friends’ parties, wedding and lobola invitations and all the likes.

Priority

These are all forms of enjoyment, as a priority it is essential for one not to lose herself/himself all in the name of enjoyment, which can have detrimental outcomes at the end of it all. It calls for consideration that in all these events we get to meet people with different personalities, even though they are friends and family, which is an alarming factor and requires for high level of cautiousness.

Many cases will be brought forward, adding to the statistics recorded in the month of July of about 101 rape cases, of those who became victims of sexual violence either through sexual assault, harassment or rape by REPS (2024). Sexual assault being the attempted or rather completed touching of another person’s butt, genitals, breast or groin through direct touching or voyeurism, it goes with exposing someone to pornography or taking images of the victim in a private context and make them go viral without their consent.

With rape being forced sexual intercourse by a body part or object, usually the victim is threatened and incapable of giving consent due to impaired mental status, level of consciousness or under-age to give a consent. Rape can be acquainted, involving a friend, family member,  neighbour, date or acquaintance and these kind of rape is less likely to be reported since it is more relationship, so victims may fear retaliation from the assailant and harassment from friends or family members. If there is a relationship, then trust is violated.

Women

As women are most likely to be reported as the victims, do not hesitate coming forward to report that assault, or rape due to fear of harassment or retaliation, come forward and help others. You might be the first to take the courage only to find that you have helped many who were assaulted by the same perpetrator. Prioritise knowing your surroundings, go with trusted friends. If your gut tells you otherwise, avoid those places, get yourself a pillow and comfortable throw and take a nap, after all you are not losing anything, rest and sleep is healthier Avoid being in situations where you feel pressured.

Tips for men

Women are not sex objects, or deserve to be raped because of the way they dress; ‘she dresses provocatively to seduce us’ as some men say. Have some dignity, value your manhood and reputation it does not end in just being a man by title, it also goes with the character. Be a man in character, protect yourself in character, seeing does not mean you should taste or have it, that is lack of discipline and self-control, rather protect her, women are vulnerable and created to be beautiful and beautify the earth by nature, do not take advantage, do not be a coward. Just like flowers they are attractive, you can never say to a flower it is naked but that is it own beauty just like women they dress not to seduce but worldwide that how they are. As a man know your value and know your flower, treasure it. Do not ruin your own reputation, remember you are a man and born to be a leader, portray the character of leadership.
This is a call for all, let us be safe and happy as we wrap up this 2024. Together we can stop sexual violence.

Tebe

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