Prevalence and Patterns of Sexual Assault in the Context of Socio-demographic Dynamics in Benue State of Nigeria

Abstract

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that disproportionally affects women and girls. Many victims do not report sexual violence to police because of shame or fear of being blamed, not believed, or otherwise mistreated. This study aimed to collect and construct data that provide information on the many dimensions of sexual assault. The objectives include to examine the incidence of sexual assault and identify the factors associated with sexual assault. The study adopted the Feminist theory of sexual coercion. The research used a survey design with the questionnaire and focused-group discussions forming the primary data source while the secondary source includes library sources. Research subjects were females within the study area aged 18 years and older who had never been in an intimate relationship. Two thousand and sixty (2060) copies of a structured questionnaire were administered within the sample frame. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that there was a high prevalence of sexual assault in Benue State and that the area has a youthful population and a high proportion of single which if not checked will continue to increase the level of sexual assault in the area. The common causes of sexual assault include indecent dressing, lonely dwellings, alcoholism, and exposure to pornographic materials. The effects of sexual assault include sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies, emotional trauma, abortion, depression, reduced productivity, stigmatization, death, physical injury, discrimination, mental instability, weak security system, and school dropout. It was suggested among others that, social groups such as religious institutions and schools should embark on reorientation regarding descent dressing to curtail the predisposition to sexual assault. Also, cluster dwellings through the deliberate design of settlements and collective provision of public amenities should be promoted to limit scenarios for lonely dwellings that predispose people to sexual assault.