It is a violent and despicable act. Regardless of the gender of the victim, rape must be the most absolutely shameful and dehumanizing experience that one person could inflict on another. When a male person is raped or otherwise sexually abused, we naturally respond with complete outrage; and justifiably so.
Yet somehow, it seems that certain elements in our society take the position that if a female is sexually abused, 'as long as she nuh dead, a nuh nutten.' That is unacceptable!
I personally know a few female friends who have been raped. Some have been brutally violated by strangers, and some have been desecrated by trusted friends and/or relatives. I know that try as they might, they can never fully get over the ordeal. These women have been scarred for life. Another woman who is a dear friend of mine thinks that at least four out of every 10 Jamaican women have experienced some form of sexual abuse. That is frightening.
When it comes to gender-based violence generally, and sexual abuse specifically, things in Jamaica are quite bad. It is like some men in this country are extremely sick, totally evil, or both. Recently, there have been quite a few reported cases of children being sexually abused. Infants as young as four years old in one instance and a few months old in another instance have been sexually assaulted. That is totally dreadful.
The big, loud, 'top man dem' must start speaking out, and they must start now. Yeah man, it is time for influential men in this society to raise their voices in condemnation of this terrible trend. We need to start setting the right example to young boys so they learn from very early to have respect for the dignity of the women. Most Jamaican singers, deejays and sound system selectors spend a lot of time expressing reproach for homosexuals and people who practice oral sex - because it is fashionable. Well, it is full time now for them to start actively ostracising, discouraging and punishing men who rape and abuse our girls and women. This is well overdue.
Trust me, this is not fiction: I know of a case where a man in an inner-city community was badly beaten - he got about three ribs broken and one eye was gouged out with a fork - because of suspicion that he practices oral sex on one of his two babymothers. This is in a town where young girls are forcefully debased on a regular basis and the violators proudly 'kotch pon di ends' bragging about their exploits. And, I think homosexuality is an abomination, but it is only one of many sins. Its time we direct more of the rebuke at those dirty rapists. Yes boss, unnu must start follow Chuck Fenda and put the rapist dem pon the 'fire bun' list too.
Look here nuh, I don't believe in hurting people. I am not a violent person but trust me, I could easily kill a rapist.
A so mi feel! How you feel?
box-mi-back@hotmail.com
'Well, it is full time now for them to start actively ostracising, discouraging and punishing men who rape and abuse our girls and women. This is well overdue.'
Do
you have a problem? Is something bothering
you? Write to 
