Descriptive epidemiology of rape and sexual assault data, Kaduna State, Nigeria, 2013 - 2015

Abstract

Introduction : globally, 7% of women experience non-partner sexual violence (SV) annually. Demonstrated consequences of SV include unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection and HIV, substance use and abuse, mental health issues, and injury. According to the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey, 4.6 percent of Kaduna State women age 15 - 49 had ever experienced sexual violence; the highest in the northwest zone of Nigeria. This study aimed at describing the epidemiologic characteristics of reported sexual violence cases in Kaduna State, using the Police Department administrative records. Methods : a secondary data analysis of reported sexual violence cases to the Kaduna State Police Command - Family Unit between years 2013 and 2015 was done. Variables extracted included age of survivor, location, status of perpetrators and type of injury sustained by victims. Data was enter, cleaned and analyzed using Epi info software. Results : a total of 90 cases of sexual violence were reported from nine of the 23 Local Government Areas within the period. A yearly increase in number of reported cases 24 (26.7%), 32 (35.6%) and 34 (37.8%) was observed from 2013 to 2015 respectively. Eighty two percent of the survivors were female. The median age (range) of survivors and perpetrators were 10years (3 - 20 years) and 26 years (10 - 80 years) respectively. The SVs reported were indecent assault 5 (5.6%), unnatural offence 8 (8.9%), attempted rape 20 (22.2%) and rape 57 (63.3%). Sixty-five (72%) of perpetrators were survivors. In 61 (67.8%) cases, a neighbor was the perpetrator of violence. Eighty-seven (96.7%) of cases received medical care received medical care and 56 (62.9%) survivors sustained injuries and laceration. There was no statistically significant association between the age of victims and relationship between victim and perpetrator. Conclusion : in Kaduna State, reported sexual violence occur more frequently among children and youths with perpetrators usually well known to them. There is a need to enhance sexual violence awareness among parents and caregivers. We recommended that the state should carry out mass campaign on sexual violence awareness at community level.