Almost on daily basis, cases of sexual violence, rape are reported and it seems there is no end in sight to this ugly reoccurring crime. What sort of punishment should be meted to perpetrators of this crime? Anthonia Duru this week asks: “Should rapists be castrated?” Here are the voices from the streets.
‘There should be more enlightenment on rape’ – Dr. Evelyn Urhobo
As regards the incessant reports of rape in our society today, I think more drastic measures should be put in place in our legal system to punish offenders. Like it is being done in some countries today, castration would not be too out of place. However, there is need for massive sensitisation of people on the issue because the victims are still being seen as guilty instead of the culprits. Also, because there is need for evidence to successfully prosecute a rape case, a victim should collate evidence of being assaulted such as the semen ejaculated during the process of rape and going immediately to the hospital to get the case recorded. There is still a huge negative attitude towards rape like stigmatisation, so victims and their families still concentrate on hiding the incident rather than ensuring that the culprit is brought to book. Castration might just be the deterrent to such bastardly act especially when carried out on children.
‘Rapists Are Sadists’ – Funke Fadugba
Rapists need to undergo psychological testing to ascertain the causes and depth of their dysfunctional behaviours. Some could be found as capable of changing their ways after such tests as it could have been due to several factors but those who have crossed the border line deserve severe punishment up to death. Those whose cases can still be made better should be taken through counselling therapy just as government needs to establish more mental health centres as a matter of priority. A sadist does not deserve to live.
‘Some victims are the cause of rape’ – Ginka Uzowulu
In as much as I don’t support freedom for rapists, the increase in rape these days may not be unconnected to the increase in indecent dressing of our sisters and young mothers. They abuse the male folks daily with their nudity even in churches. This may push a man to commit crimes such as rape. They dress to kill men and unfortunately, it normally backfires. Rape is evil. I condemn it totally. Indecent dressing is also evil. Stop all forms of abuse.
‘Rapists deserve whatever punishment they get’ – San Dee
May our wives, sisters or daughters never experience such horror because until a close person experiences such, they may never know what rape means and the deserved punishment. Some of these people have raped their victims to death, while some have left their victims with HIV, sexually transmitted Infections, life trauma and injuries and you are asking if castration is not much. I think you should rephrase your question and ask if they should not be shot instantly.
‘Castration is extreme’ – Haruna Balogun
It depends on the level of crime. I do not condone rape but cutting off their manhood may be on the extreme side. They should go to jail for a long time. But if they rape a minor then their manhood should be cut off completely, they should not even be allowed to see the courtroom.
‘Castration is the best punishment’ – Anthony Anyigbofu
Death won’t make them bear the consequences of their offence. I concur with castration.
‘Castration will put an end to rape’ – Lukmon Akintola
He who beats the drum of the gods, must be ready to dance to it. Let them castrate the rapists so they won’t continue. No matter how rain beats the leopard, it can’t wash away its spots so if rapists are castrated then that’s the end.
‘Castration will send a strong message to prospective rapists’- Temitope Bada
This is the best solution to incessant cases of rape in our society especially defilement of minors. Castration will send a great signal to anybody intending to do so. As Christians we have no right to take such decision against anyone, for we all are guilty of one offence or the other. I will just say they should serve jail terms.
‘Life imprisonment is fairer’ – Linda Oyero
We should not take laws into our hands; rapists should face life imprisonment and worse punishment than being castrated. if you accuse someone of rape and later it turns out to be a lie, castrating him has ended his life no one deserves or wants to be raped, so if victims become attackers its simply means self-defence. When you are in danger you do anything possible to survive.
‘Laws should be made to curb rape’ – Seyi Adewusi
The law should just make provision to curb rape practice. Whatever the law says goes. In the law of Nigeria, a 50-year-old man can get married to a minor (12-17years), will that also be called rape? Can a man rape his wife? Let the law define rape and make provisions for it.
‘Castration is the way to go’ -Damilola Adeyemo
Yes, they should be castrated. I will prefer it if the government passes the judgement because we are not to take laws into our hands. It is demonic to see a little girl and want to sleep with her, that’s insanity and it should not be condoned in our country. I say no to rapists. They should be hanged because if a rapist can sleep with a 3-year-old, that rapist has just hanged the kid for life, it’s a long life stigma. The rapist has destroyed a family, he or she has hanged the victim’s family and joy. I just hope the government will have more NGOs who are serious about this and they will not see it only as a job to be paid for but as a purpose to work on with God and help save destinies.
