Assessment of Sexual Violence against Girls and Young Women with Disabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

Abstract

This review looks into the prevalence of sexual violence against disabled girls and young women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding this issue is vital for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seek to eliminate all forms of violence in the region. The research specifically examines the nature of sexual violence faced by girls and young women with disabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve the desired outcomes, a comprehensive desk review was carried out on the subject of sexual violence against this demographic. The study highlights factors that contribute to vulnerability, the environments where offenders operate, the repercussions of sexual abuse, and the coping strategies employed by victims. The findings indicate that girls and young women with disabilities are at a heightened risk of sexual abuse due to perceptions of weakness and a lack of adequate protection. Additionally, disability and poverty further exacerbate the risk of gender-based violence. It was found that many women with disabilities experienced sexual abuse due to circumstances such as limited mobility, financial hardship, familial rejection, and unemployment, which often confined them to their homes and made them easy targets. In terms of repercussions, sexual violence has been linked to unintended pregnancies, homelessness, divorce, and challenges in finding marriage partners. There is a pressing need for further research to guide policymakers in implementing effective multi-sectoral strategies that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at reducing all forms of violence in Sub-Saharan Africa.