Quoting Karl Marx in the condemnation of rape

May 08, 2017 Letters

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Dear Editor,
I am writing this article on behalf of the young, voiceless victims of rape/sexual assault, who were never believed when they told their story, were further punished by the adult, threatened with harm by the perpetrator(s), and who continue to be sidelined even during the month set aside for evoking public and governmental awareness.
Sexual Assault Awareness month recently concluded in Guyana. Throughout the entire 30 days there is a heightened focus on awareness of sexual assault, domestic violence, along with governmental agencies making determined and concerted efforts to inform the public about sexual offences and domestic violence, and to help eliminate this scourge that is currently ravaging the land.
According to Akilah Dorris, Manager of the Sexual and Domestic Violence Unit, the Ministry of Social Protection, is currently reviewing the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Acts, with the aim of better handling of domestic violence cases and sexual offences.
While I am aware of the activities, deeply appreciative of the nation’s efforts to raise awareness, and the continuous promotion of prevention; nevertheless it is becoming glaringly apparent over the years that the message has become somewhat misdirected. There is a lack of focus on the child.
This is not to downplay the havoc being wreaked by domestic violence, but the children also need to be focused on. Case in point being the recent sentencing of pastor Josiah Baptiste for the raping of a six year old female. Quite clearly he was not only preaching but reaching. Preying on the voiceless vulnerable.
Sadly there are not enough conversations about what that child should do, to whom should that child turn, and where does that child rest those worries, fears and anxieties.
The villages remain steeped in silence and choking on its own complicity. Child sexual abuse is a pandemic with its own staggering statistics. Most villages have a history of being silent about the abuses that wreak havoc on the young, of being protective of the family or family member(s) for several reasons—fear and shame being two of the most prevalent.
In addition we dwell in a society that send signals and teaches the females to be careful not to get raped, instead of teaching men not to rape.
Casting all humour aside, in a 1999 film Bigger and Blacker, comedian Chris Rock tells a joke about every black family having that one molester uncle.
In the comedic routine he further pokes fun at the practice that many Black folks have experienced, in which an older family member cautions about leaving children around a particular family member on account of that relative’s predacious tendencies.
Rock also jokes about the child being blamed once the uncle molests him because the child was warned to stay away from that uncle, and the child being told by a parent to “walk it off.”
Sexual abuse is one of the few crimes that bring more shame to the victim than the offender. I do inwardly shudder to think of the number of people who could directly relate to that scenario.
Let us not forget the age old maxim” Many a true word is spoken in jest”, or to coin a familiar Guyanese adage “True word does pass as joke”. When the victim speaks we must listen, or be cued in even when nothing is said.
Undoubtedly, there is an ongoing problem in the Guyanese community that enough of us are not talking about, and one which usually rests below the radar during Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Sexual Awareness as well as Domestic Violence Awareness does not stop on April 30. I strongly beseech folks in the community, this month and next month, and every month thereafter and at every available opportunity not just to pay attention to numbers but to start conversations.
It is clear that revision/ reviewing of the Act are long overdue. Better late than never is not an acceptable panacea. According to Karl Marx, social progress can be measured by the social position of the female sex.
Over the years the increase in frequency, and mortality due to domestic violence should have spurred the government into action a long time ago.  Wives have paid with their lives. Do not get me wrong, but regardless of their gender every day a child is sexually tested and molested.
This must cease forthwith.  It is imperative that the Government, parents, the community,  community leaders, religious leaders, educators and by extension the public make an intelligent investment in a better national future by sounding the alarm for the young females, until they can do so for themselves.
The voiceless must be spoken for.  Childhood simplicity is not tantamount to sexual complicity.
Yvonne Sam

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