CHAPTER ONE

1.0            INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND STUDY

Rape is defined from a legal standpoint as the forcible penetration by a penis or object where there is no consent. However, it is important to recognize that there are variations in the definition of rape from country to country largely around what constitutes “force” and “consent”. The essential elements of the crime were sexual penetration, force, and the lack of consent. Women who were raped were expected to have physically resisted to the utmost of their powers or their assailant would not be convicted of rape (Tracy, C.E. and Fromson, T.L., 2012). Some forms of sexual violence include unwanted sexual touching, forced sexual contact or activities other than sexual intercourse, and unwanted exposure to sexual activities as a forced participant or observer. It is not being suggested here that only forcible penetration is “real rape”, or the only form of real and devastating sexual violence (Tracy, C.E. and Fromson, T.L., 2012). Lifetime prevalence of rape and attempted rape worldwide has been reported to be a staggering 20%, while gender-based violence in general against women affects over 30% (MacDonald, 2000). A recent national household survey, the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) in the USA, reported 12.3% of American women 18 years and older had experienced a completed forced rape in their lifetime (Black, M., et al., 2011). This translates to 14.6 million women who are living with the consequences of rape. These latest study findings are consistent with previous findings from four national household surveys spanning a period of 15 years that showed between 1 in 6 (16%) and 1 in 8 (13%) women were raped in their lifetime (Basile, K., et al., 2007). Together, these five studies provide strong indication of the stability of rape prevalence over time.

Approximately 620,000 women 18 years and older were forcibly raped in 2010. This number is an underestimate of the total number of females sexually assaulted and raped each year for a number of reasons. Among them is the lack of inclusion of many women at high risk of sexual assault who have no access to telephones, such as women who are homeless, in hospitals, nursing homes or mental health institutions or other controlled environments like jail or residential treatment. Additionally the survey did not include girls under the age of 18. Furthermore, in developing countries such as Nigeria, for reasons of stigma and fear of rejection, many cases of rape happen unreported by the victims and their families.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread and least recognized human rights abuses in the world (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere [CARE], 2010). Globally, one out of three women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime (World Health Organization [WHO], 2005). Sexual violence is any sexual act that is forced against someone’s will. It includes coerced sex, sexual abuse, rape, and attempted rape (WHO, 2002). Most rapes are committed by persons known to the victim and most victims of sexual violence prefer not to report (McGregor, 2005; WHO, 2005). Sexual violence has severe short-term and long-term consequences on women’s physical and mental health (WHO, 2003). Rape carries a heavy social stigma sometimes resulting in rejection by families and communities (Alemika, 2013; WHO, 2002). Social attitudes often condone violence against women and stigmatize and blame the survivor. Many countries lack adequate health and counseling services for survivors and strong mechanisms for protection and legal redress (CARE, 2010).

All types of sexual abuse involve victims who do not consent or who are unable to consent or refuse to allow the act. Sexual abuse is a serious offense, yet discussion on the topic is often avoided and the type of sexual abuse that is rarely discussed is sexual exploitation of children and youth (Kevonne & Janine, 2007). One of the most startling aspects of these sex crimes is that many go unreported; therefore, rape and sexual assault prevalence is difficult to determine (WHO, 2002, 2003). In a study in Nigeria, it was reported that only 22.9% of respondents who had experienced rape reported the offense to the police (Alemika, 2013).

Despite the existence of the laws, Amnesty international (2012) reported that “rape and other forms of sexual violence against women and girls remains rife.” The authorities consistently fail to prevent and address sexual violence. Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse. The WHO (2005) has reported that “younger women, especially those aged 15 to 19 years, are at higher risk of sexual violence by a partner in almost all settings”. Therefore, this study focuses on the assessment of the nature of rape among female adolescents, using Diobu Local government area in Rivers state as a case study.

1.2     STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The rate of sexual assaults among female adolescent is really alarming, it is however important that proper lawful measures must be carried out on this criminal act. It has been observed that most female adolescents who are out of school are majorly victims of sexual assaults. These female adolescents tends to get themselves involved in hawking on the street thereby making them vulnerable to sexual assault because they find themselves among hoodlums. Parents should try as much as possible to desist from this act of child abuse. It is every child’s rate to have a proper education and they must be denied of this privilege.

Another major causes of rape among female adolescents is indecent dressing. When females decides to dress indecently this make them attractive to men thereby making them vulnerable to sexual assaults. Parents are expected to proper train and discipline their children again indecent dressing. Most of the clothes worn by female adolescent is so revealing and this make them prone to sexual assaults.

Study has shown that rape have a psychological effect on victimized females. Female adolescents who are victims of rape tend to develop an inferiority complex in them. Most times they feel they are filthy and unclean. This affects the way they relate with people around. Their confidence level is battered after the experience of the sexual assault because they feel wasted and useless. Most of rape victims are usually hunted by the horrible experience all their lives. Some might even resort to committing suicide if they don’t get proper help. These problems make it glaring that there is a need to carry out an assessment of the nature of rape among female adolescents, using Diobu Local government area in Rivers state as a case study.

1.3     OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The general objective of this study is an assessment of the nature of rape among female adolescents, using Diobu Local government area in Rivers state as a case study. The specific objectives of this study include the following:

1.     To ascertain the rate of rape among female adolescents in Diobu Local government area in Rivers state.

2.     To find out the impact of poverty on the rate of rape among female adolescents in Diobu Local government area in Rivers state.

3.     To examine the perception of female adolescents in Diobu Local government area in Rivers state on rape.

4.     To know the causes of rape among female adolescents in Diobu Local government area in Rivers state.

5.     To determine the psychological effect of rape on female adolescents in Diobu Local government area in Rivers state.

1.4     RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The relevant research questions related to this study are:

1.     What is the rate of rape among female adolescents in Diobu Local government area in Rivers state?

2.     What is the impact of poverty on the rate of rape among female adolescents in Diobu Local government area in Rivers state?

3.     What is the perception of female adolescents in Diobu Local government area in Rivers state on rape?

4.     What are the causes of rape among female adolescents in Diobu Local government area in Rivers state?

5.     What is the psychological effect of rape on female adolescents in Diobu Local government area in Rivers state?

1.5     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The findings from this study is relevant to female adolescents, parents and guidance. To female adolescents, it elucidates the way of avoiding sexual assaults and the implication of indecent dressing on increasing their vulnerability to sexual assaults.

To parents and guidance, the findings of this study outline the responsibilities of parents and guidance in reducing the rate of rape among adolescents. Parents should proper train their male students and educate them on the negative effects of raping a woman. Female adolescents must also be educate on the danger of working alone in a lonely road and walking at night.

This study will enhance the existing body of literature by contemplating the areas of the literature that have not yet been examined or considered and incorporating these factors into the current study. The study will thus form the basis for further studies in the field.

1.6     SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study is restricted to the assessment of of the nature of rape among female adolescents, using Diobu Local government area in Rivers state as a case study.

1.7     LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Some of the major constraints the researchers encountered in putting up this research include lack of time, lack of willingness to give information by respondent and also limited resources.

1.8     DEFINITION OF TERMS