"Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or a girl without her consent or with her consent when it's obtained by force or by means of threat or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of harm or by means of false and fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act, or in the case of married woman, by personating her husband, is guilty of an offence which is called rape."
1. CONSENT
On a charge of rape, absence of consent is very important and the prosecution has to prove that the accused had carnal knowledge of a woman or girl despite her age, without consent. Even if the complaint is a common prostitute, it's not an excuse.
2. ATTEMPT TO COMMIT RAPE
Any person who attempts to commit the offence of rape is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for 14years with or without whipping. " The accused having entered a lady's room uninvited, took off his clothes, expressed a desire to have sexual connection with her and actually caught hold of her. Where the other ingredients of rape are present but the fact of penetration cannot be proved the accused may be convicted of attempted rape.
3. INDECENT ASSUALTS ON FEMALE
Under section 360 of the code, it is a misdemeanor punishable with two years imprisonment for any person to unlawfully and indecently assault a woman or a girl.
4. ABDUCTION
Any person who, with intention to marry or carnally know a female of any age or to cause her to be married takes her away or detains her, against her will, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. Any person who unlawfully takes an unmarried girl under the age of 16 years out of the custody or protection of her father or mother or other person having the lawful care or charge of her and against the will of such mother or other person is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for two years.
5. DEFILEMENT
- Of girls under 13
Any person who attempts to have unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 13 years is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for 14years with or without whipping. The prosecution for either of these offences must be begun within two months after the offence is committed.
- Of any girls under 16 and above 13 and physically/mentally challenged person
Any person who has or attempts to have unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl being above 13years and under 16 years of age knowing a woman or girl to be an imbecile or challenged, is guilty of misdemeanor and liable to imprisonment for two years with or without whipping.
6. COLLABORATION IN SEXUAL OFFENCES
When a person is charged with certain illegal sexual act, it is specifically provided that there cannot be conviction upon the testimony of one witness. The court regard it as unsafe to convict upon the testimony of the complaint only.
Anyone, anywhere, can become a victim of rape or other sexual violence. Rape is never the victim’s fault. Nothing that the victim has done or said gives entitlement to a sexual act or its attempt against the victim’s wishes.
According to statistics, a familiar person is more likely to commit a sexual crime, more rarely a stranger in a dark park. Rape or other forms of sexual violence or its attempt is a crime. For example, forcing penetration or oral sex and forcefully pushing a finger or other object inside another person is sexual violence.
FOLLOW THE ABOVE ADVICE, IF YOU ARE A VICTIMN OR YOU KNOW A VICTIMN
*Do not get washed or change your clothes.
* Visit the nearest police station and report the incident .
* At the police station, you should be given a note you will take to the hospital which will enable the doctor or nurse take the case seriously and as well keep the result of the test safe. Because it will also serve as evidence against the offender.
NOTE: visit the nearest police station first and make sure you're given a note before going to the hospital. Because if you go to the hospital on your will, evidence may be discarded.
*Take a friend or another close person with you, if you wish.
*Do not stay alone with what has happened. Rape or an attempted rape is a tragic event, but you can overcome it. Tell about it to someone who is close and reliable.
Remember, you are not responsible for the event. The offender is guilty and responsible for what has happened.
© Olarewaju Aishat Olamide
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