The Silence that Screams - by Favour Egbegi

Understanding and Confronting Rape in Our Society There are some wounds that don't bleed. Some cries that no one hears. Some crimes that go unpunished — and rape, tragically, remains one of them. Across the world — in quiet villages, crowded cities, even in supposedly safe homes — rape continues to steal not just bodies, but peace, dignity, and voice. Yet, in many communities, it is still covered up with silence, shame, or indifference. What Is Rape? Rape is not just about sex. It is an act of violence, control, and violation. It can happen to anyone — women, men, children — regardless of age, clothing, or behavior. Consent is not optional; it is the line between intimacy and assault. In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, rape survivors are often blamed, silenced, or ignored. Some are too afraid to speak. Others are forced into silence by cultural stigma, family pressure, or fear of retaliation. But the pain doesn’t go away. It festers — emotionally, psychologically, sometimes even physically. A Survivor’s Voice Let me tell you a story — not of a stranger, but of someone you might know. She could be your neighbor, your friend, your sister. At 17, she was raped by a man who called himself a “family friend.” She said no. She begged. But no one came. The worst part wasn't just what he did — it was the silence that followed. No justice. No support. Just whispers and questions:"What were you wearing?""Why didn’t you scream louder?""Are you sure it wasn’t your fault?" But it wasn’t her fault. It is never the victim's fault. The Invisible Weight Rape survivors often carry their trauma like a shadow — invisible to others but always present. Some lose their sense of safety. Others suffer from depression, anxiety, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress. And some, sadly, do not survive the pain. There are survivors who have taken their own lives — not because they were weak, but because the world around them stayed silent. The shame, the disbelief, the fear of being judged or blamed can make life feel unbearable.When justice is denied and support is absent, hopelessness creeps in. We must never let it reach that point. No one should feel that ending their life is the only way to escape what was done to them. We, as a society, must be that hand that holds them up when they are falling. That ear that listens. That voice that speaks for them when they can't. The Law and Its Failures In theory, rape is a crime. But in practice, justice is rare. Victims face judgment, poor investigations, or courts that delay for years. Even worse, some rapists are protected by power, money, or silence. We cannot build a safe society when victims are punished for speaking out, while perpetrators walk free. Breaking the Silence This is a call — to parents, teachers, leaders, boys, girls, everyone: Teach consent. Make it clear that “no” means no, and silence does not mean yes. Listen to survivors. Believe them. Support them. Demand justice. Pressure the system to investigate, prosecute, and convict rapists — no matter who they are. Speak up. Whether it's in classrooms, homes, or public spaces — let’s talk about rape and end the shame around it. Hope Begins with Us Survivors are not broken. They are not to blame. They are strong, even when they feel weak. And they deserve more than pity — they deserve justice, support, and healing. Let us not be the generation that turns away from truth because it is uncomfortable. Let us be the voice that says:“We see you. We hear you. And we will fight for you.” Because silence protects no one — but truth can set us free.

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