Sexual violence survivors urged to break silence

Gender activists, Health Specialists, Researchers, have exhorted sexual violence survivors to break the culture of silence and denounce perpetrators of the act in both public and private spheres.

The call was made against the backdrop of the overwhelming increase in sexual violence registered in Cameroon.

During the meeting that held Meeting at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Foundation in Yaounde recently, it was revealed that boys suffer more of physical violence while the girls suffer sexual violence in most public institutions like universities.

It was also discovered that at least one in every three women has experienced sexual violence at some time.

The activists also highlighted research, which demonstrated that sexual assault and exploitation frequently occurs in places that are supposed to be ‘safe’ and caring, such as among family members, schools and hospitals.

Despite the shocking scale of sexual assault, there is a culture of silence around the issue. According to some survivors in Yaounde who preferred anonymity for fear of victimisation, a mix of socio-cultural, resource and service-related reasons make them keep the issue in the shadows.

Hear them; “It is futile to speak up because we know the Government lacks the appropriate judicial systems and measures to punish offenders. Besides, most of our socio-cultural norms pour scorn on the survivor and even blame them for inciting such violence.”

Also, most young women and girls this reporter approached claim that revealing any history of sexual violence will undermine their chances of getting married. They think that little has been done at the highest policy level to show a strong commitment to tackling sexual violence in Cameroon.

Given that sexual violence shatters the lives of the girls and women affected, as well as undermine socio-economic development, social cohesion and gender equality, the gender activists and research experts at the Yaounde meeting recommend that this year’s Women Day activities should focus on talks that are geared towards tackling the issue.

They assert that raising awareness around the issue will push State actors and Governments to reaffirm and uphold their commitments to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, CEDAW, and put in place mechanisms to prevent, protect and provide for survivors of sexual assault.

They equally called on civil society organisations to raise alertness on the extent of the problem within local communities and to teach communities about the necessity and importance of gender equity and where help and support is available.

According to them, the culture of silence makes sexual violence pervasive and breaking the silence will need strong legislation against perpetrators, the participation of civil society organisations, the family and other stakeholders.