Attributes of a Rapist and What You Can Do

By Fadaka O' Adetu

The overwhelming emotional breakdown of rape is an unending traumatic process except the victim receives the necessary help needed to heal both emotionally and physically. Thinking about the experience is enough to traumatize the victim. It even becomes painful when the rapist is walking free without justice being served. It is absolutely an act of wickedness to forcefully have sexual intercourse with a lady without her consent. There are so many young females out there who are being forced daily into unwanted sexual intercourse and being abused. Thankfully laws in developed countries provide a safe shade for the victim of rape by ensuring that justice prevails. We still have much more work to do in Africa to protect the girl child and the women that continue to be preys in the hand of rapists. When a rapist escapes justice, he will have the boldness to chase down his next victim. So how do you know a rapist and what can you do to stay safe?

1. Not Respecting Your Wishes

Most of the time, a rapist would have shown signs earlier before the act is being carried out. This is true because a character can hardly be hidden. A rapist will probably not respect your choices and wishes. He will disregard your wishes and not feel remorse about his action.

2. Short Tempered and Abuse

He will probably have short temper and make an attempt to hit or beat you when angry. Any man that lays his hands on you probably does not respect you. Abuse goes hand in hand with rape.

3. Make you Feel Like a Fool for Holding Strong to Your Values

Rapists do not appreciate ladies who are upright. Again if he makes you feel like a fool for doing what is right with your body, he will certainly not respect your body.

4. Disrespect Female Gender Even in Your Presence

Rapists have an entitlement mindset and believe they are not meant to be turned down by any lady. It is such a delusional way to think. Rapists usually have low regard for the female gender and since a female gender is perceived as an object of sex and pleasure only, his words will show this attribute. If he disrespects women even in your presence, how on earth do you expect him to respect your absence.

5. Disregard Private Space and Touch You Inappropriately

Rapists will hardly respect your private space and will usually make an attempt to touch you inappropriately. A rapist will find it hard to stop touching you inappropriately even when you consistently voice out your displeased

So what can you do?

1. Until you can attest to his values, hold back your trust

2. Once you identify any of the signs above, stay away to observe things more carefully. Do not allow your emotion to cloud your sense of judgment

3. Do not put yourself in a vulnerable position. Go for a date in an open space where people can see you and help if you find yourself in danger

4. Communicate from day one the kind of person you are and what you will not accept

5. Empower yourself with information and skills. Read more on how to keep yourself from becoming a victim and learn physical defensive skills (this you will find useful if you are in danger).

I hope you find this short article useful. Kindly share your thoughts in the comment below, I will be happy to hear from you.

Note: Not all men are rapist and a rapist can also be a female.