From time to time, social media is flooded with harrowing stories of women and girls across the country who have been sexually harassed, assaulted, or even raped. These stories are not just statistics, they are painful reminders of the dangers that lurk in everyday spaces, from public transport terminals to private homes.

According to WebMD, a sexual predator is “a person who seeks out sexual contact with another person in a predatory or abusive manner.” Importantly, predators may or may not have committed sex crimes like harassment, assault, rape, or paedophilia. Some are strangers who attack randomly in public places, while others are disturbingly familiar faces, such as; friends, relatives, or authority figures who exploit trust.

In Nigeria, recent reports have underscored the urgency of this issue. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency revealed that between September 2023 and July 2024, there were 93 cases of rape, 138 cases of sexual assault, and 113 cases of sexual assault by penetration. These numbers are chilling, but they also highlight the importance of vigilance, awareness, and proactive safety measures.

Medical professionals and social workers emphasize that while the world can be cruel, we cannot afford to “roll over and play dead.” There are practical steps individuals and communities can take to reduce risks and protect themselves from predators. Below are strategies that combine expert advice with everyday common sense.

1. Break the Silence Jinx

Sexual predation thrives in silence. When survivors feel unable to speak out, predators gain power. Dr. Adewumi Adeola stresses the importance of open conversations within families and communities.

• Parents should teach children about body autonomy and the parts of their bodies that no one should touch.
• Siblings and friends should cultivate trust and vocabulary that makes it easier to report inappropriate behavior.
• Communities must normalize discussions about consent, harassment, and abuse.

Silence protects predators; speech empowers survivors. Breaking the silence is the first line of defense.

2. Be Sensitive to Changes in Conversation

Predators often test boundaries through words before escalating to actions. Mrs. Bolanle Waheed, a Lagos-based health worker, advises women to be alert when conversations shift toward harassment.

• If a friend, religious leader, or stranger begins making sexual comments or touching inappropriately, walk away immediately.
• Avoid meeting such individuals in enclosed or isolated spaces.
• Trust your instincts: if a conversation feels uncomfortable, it probably is.

Predators often disguise harassment as jokes or compliments. Recognizing these shifts early can prevent escalation.

3. Vigilant Parenting and Community Watchfulness

Children are particularly vulnerable to grooming, where predators build trust before exploiting it. Adeola emphasizes vigilant parenting:

• Challenge inappropriate jokes, such as when an adult calls a young girl “his wife.”
• Supervise visits to neighbors or family friends.
• Watch for adults who give unwarranted gifts, leer at children, or insist on physical closeness.

Predators often hide in plain sight; family friends, babysitters, or domestic staff. Vigilance is not paranoia; it is protection.

4. Carry a Protective Tool

While prevention is ideal, sometimes confrontation is unavoidable. Waheed recommends that women carry protective tools:

• Pepper spray, tasers, or pocket knives can deter attackers if used correctly.
• Keep these items accessible in your bag or pocket.
• Consider also carrying a personal alarm that emits a loud sound to attract attention.

The goal is not to encourage violence but to provide a means of defense when escape is not possible.

5. Inform Others of Your Location

Isolation is a predator’s ally. Protect yourself by keeping others informed:

• Share your live location when using ride-hailing services.
• Call or text loved ones during transit.
• Avoid meeting strangers from social media in private places—choose public venues instead.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Technology can be a powerful safety tool when used wisely.

6. Opt for Self-Defense and Situational Awareness

Self-defense is not just physical, it’s mental. Adeola advises women to remain clear-headed in social settings:

• Guard your drinks at parties to prevent spiking.
• Limit alcohol or stimulant intake to maintain awareness.
• Enroll in self-defense classes to build confidence and preparedness.

Predators often target vulnerability. By staying alert and prepared, you reduce their chances of success.

7. Community Responsibility: Men Must Step Up

Protecting against sexual predators is not solely a women’s responsibility. Waheed emphasizes that men must also act:

• Intervene when witnessing harassment or assault.
• Call authorities and raise alarms to attract attention.
• Refuse to be passive bystanders. silence makes one complicit.

Communities that collectively reject predation create safer environments for everyone.

8. The Bigger Picture: Changing Culture and Systems

While individual vigilance is crucial, systemic change is equally important. Reports of harassment at public terminals and cases of child abuse highlight the need for:

• Stronger law enforcement against predators.
• Public awareness campaigns to destigmatize reporting.
• Support services for survivors, including counseling and legal aid.

Safety is not just personal, it is societal. Protecting individuals requires collective responsibility.

Final Thoughts

Sexual predators exploit silence, vulnerability, and trust. Protecting yourself and your loved ones requires a combination of awareness, vigilance, communication, and preparedness.

• Speak openly about boundaries.
• Recognize shifts in behavior and conversation.
• Supervise children and challenge inappropriate conduct.
• Carry protective tools and share your location.
• Stay alert in social settings and learn self-defense.
• Encourage men and communities to intervene and support survivors.

The statistics are sobering, but empowerment lies in action. By breaking the silence and taking proactive steps, we can reduce risks and create safer spaces for women, children, and communities at large.