Prevalence, Perception, And Pattern Of Sexual Violence And Rape Among Female Students Of Tertiary Institutions In Gombe, North-east, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The menace of sexual violence in our tertiary institutions is enormous with many female students been affected. Objective: The Objective of the study was to determine the prevalence, perception and pattern of sexual violence among female students of selected tertiary institutions in Gombe, Nigeria. Methodology: A structured pretested self-administered questionnaires were administered to female student in the departments selected across the three institutions in Gombe Metropolis. The study was conducted between 1st July 2019 and 30th January 2020. Information on Socio-demographic characteristics, sexual history, and history of sexual violence, information about the Perpetrator, time and place of the act, relationship with the perpetrator were taken. Results: Five hundred and fifty-two (552) self-administered questionnaires from students were obtained for analysis. Two hundred and fifty-seven (46.6%) of the respondents had a history of sexual violence and 197 (35.7%) reported been raped. Lecturers were responsible for 58 (22.6%) of the rape, while male students and male non-academic staff were responsible for 47(18.3%) and 39(15.2%) of the rape cases respectively. Less than half 197(35.7%) of the respondents acknowledged that sexual harassment, sexual assault and attempted rape were forms of sexual violence. Most of the sexual violence occurred at night, 154 (59.9%) and at the perpetrators home or office 45(22.9%). Conclusion: Sexual violence is common in institutions of higher learning and it is perpetuated by the lecturers and male students. Sexuality education, enhanced security and strict disciplinary measures are advocated as a means of curbing the menace.