The Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in Two Communities in South Western Nigeria

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Abstract

The paper investigated the prevalence of sexual abuse of women in two communities in South Western Nigeria. It determined the major perpetrators of reported sexual abuse and the coping strategies adopted by victims. Participants consisted of 185 women selected from four local government areas in the two communities of Ife and Modakeke in Osun State, Nigeria. A self-report questionnaire was administered to collect information on the nature of sexual abuse experienced by women as well as adopted coping strategies. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results of data analysis showed that strangers were major perpetrators of many acts of sexual abuse against women. A significant proportion of women reported a high level of sexual abuse with unwanted touching of body parts by men, unprotected sex and embarrassing sexual comments as the most frequent forms. The results further showed that submission to the perpetrator or enduring the abuse was a common coping strategy adopted by women. The study also found that women’s level of education did not significantly influence their being sexually abused, but their marital status was found to be a significant factor. The study brings into focus the urgent need for state legislation specifically prohibiting all forms of sexual violence against Nigerian women