"But Amnon wouldn’t listen to her, and since he was stronger than she was, he raped her"
--2 Samuel 13:14
Sexual
assault is any kind of sexual activity committed against a person's will. (I.e.
RAPE)
Rape is a legal term that is defined
slightly differently in each state/country. Most state laws define rape in terms
of penetration, with the use of force, and without the person's consent.
Penetration can be with the penis or other instruments like bottles or sticks,
and can be perpetrated in the vagina, anus, or mouth.
According to
Researchers, Rape is more likely to be
committed by someone we know than by a stranger.
Common Reactions of
Sexual Assault Victims
1. Self-blame and feelings of guilt.
2. Fear, terror, and feeling unsafe.
3. Anger and rage
4. Grief and loss.
5. Loss of control and powerlessness.
6. Isolation.
7. Flashbacks and nightmares.
8. Triggers: seasons, smells,
circumstances.
9. Changes in sexuality, intimacy
(may dislike sex, or even become interested in sexual activity)
10. Spiritual Setback and Backsliding.
11. Death and Suicide attempt.
Some Doorways to
Sexual Assault
Let me make this clear here:
1. There is no legal or justifiable
reason for someone to rape another person.
2. I do not blame people who fall
into sexual assault for their tragic experience.
But I want to point here that, there are situations and behaviors that
can give way to sexual assault. (I repeat, not all rape experience is caused by
some these doorways…)
Many Sexual assault cases we have
encountered and also researched pose some sexual doorways we must not overlook:
1. Indecent Dressing: People whose
dressing is sexually enticing can directly and indirectly attract sexual
harassment/assault from people who lack control.
2. Late Night Movements: This is
really not good. Running late night’s errands and going to Night clubs can post
a danger of falling into sexual assault from wicked people who move during odd
hours.
3. Family
generational curse of Sexual assault: Believe it or not. This is a strange
thing we begin to look at. People who are sexually abuse have an opening the
devil will work with against their children. This issue must be carefully dealt
with. Please don’t overlook it.
4. Children
living in Parental Dysfunction: This is something that is becoming a concern
for us. We have heard common stories of single fathers raping their daughters,
Step father raping wife’s daughter, Mother raping adopted son and so on. When a
family is not balance, this can pose an open door to sexual assault.
5. Ignorance:
This is really a serious issue, because many children/young people lack
knowledge about what sexual assault is all about. This ignorance can lead them
into the danger of continuous assault from the same perpetrator!
6. Living
in Lawless Environment: We cannot overlook this. There are some places where
rape issue is more common and high than some other places. People living in
place where youths engage in violence, cultism, idolatry, substance abuse and
lawlessness pose a danger for people falling into sexual assault.
7. Living
Alone: This can really post a threat. Many people have been attacked and
sexually abused due to the situation of living alone. Living alone can pose a
danger of insecurity. As a youth, it is always better to live with family and
loved ones than alone.
8. Leaving
Children with House Helps: I am not saying all house helps are bad and are
rapists. Also I’m saying that having house helps is wrong. The issue here is
having no time to monitor, look at or supervise your kids in order to learn
about their welfare, body system and also if they have anything they would want
to share with you that is happening.
9. Lonely
Visitation: Visiting people is good and healthy. Cases have come where people
who visit older opposite sex end up being raped. Sometimes lonely visit can
pose an open door to sexual assault.
10. Entering into Wrong Relationship: A lot of
times, people are sexually abused not by strangers but by their
boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife. True talk! Sometimes people come into
allow lives a sheep (crazily in love) but when we refuse sexual attempt they
let the wolf in them come out against us by raping us!
Protecting
Yourself from Sexual Assault
1. People
need to be taught carefully what sexual assault is all about and what to do
when they are facing sexual harassment. Seek sexual morality education!
2. Develop
positive friendship with believers, people who will influence you positively
and not lead you astray.
3. Learn
to share and socialize wisely, having someone you can walk home together and do
things together. Don’t live a lonely life.
4.
Avoid substance abuse/ alcoholic drinks. Make
sure your mind is sound and alert.
5.
Lock the door and windows if you are inside the
house alone. Be security conscious.
6.
Don’t be quick to jump into dating or
relationship. Make wise decision base on God’s word and prayers.
7.
Avoid late night movements. Try to get whatever
things you want before it becomes too late in the night.
8.
Look carefully before entering a public
transport.
9.
Walk in the middle or front of street or road,
and not back corners where hooligans may hang out.
10.
Keep your eye on your drink and also learn to
pray before drinking anything.
11.
Avoid Night clubs/ Worldly parties.
12.
Be sensitive to the Spirit of God. When your
heart, instincts and conscience is telling you not to go some places…please
LISTEN and OBEY!
13.
Avoid every form of indecent, sexual or seducing
dress appearance.
14.
Be alert about what is going on around you and
your environment.
15.
Find out who is at the door before opening for
the person.
16.
Pray and break any trace of sexual abuse (rape)
from your family.
17.
Survey and pray about an environment or location
before moving to live there.
18.
Learn to live with your family and not alone.
19.
When visiting opposite sex, learn to go with
someone. It is wise not to go alone. (Note: if you want to hold private
discussion, you can do that is public places—I mean where people can be alerted
if there is any sexual attempt. Wisdom is profitable!
20.
Be aggressive against sexual assault. Shout!
Scream! Hit! Don’t be weak and fearful.
21.
Watch and pray always that you may fall not into
temptation.
22.
Follow after righteousness, live by faith and
not fear and let your ways please God.
These are powerful and practical wisdom and common sense
that will help protect your life and destiny.
Enjoy Sexual Purity and freedom.
Rufus Yamoah
Sexual Purity Strategist
