Benue State University, Makurdi

A SURVEY OF THE CAUSES OF RAPE AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE VICTIMS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Stephen Terver Anyo, Terungwa Mpem and Julian Onyemowo Ortyom (Benue State University, Makurdi)

Abstract

Rape is a scourge that is equivalent to COVID-19 and other related pandemics that require national emergency response. This paper focused onthe causes of rape and its accompanying effects on the victimsin Benue State. Aims of the study were to investigate the causes and effects of rape in Benue State. This study adopted descriptive design where data were collected from the male and female in Benue State.Katsina-Ala, Makurdi, and Otukpo Local Government areas were sampled for the study.400 respondents were sampled for the study using Tara Yamane sample size determination formula andquestionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analysed using frequency and percentages. The findings of the studyrevealed that exposure to modernity, indecent dressing, poor parental upbringing, lust, moral depravity were the causes of rape in Benue State. Also, findings indicated thepsychological, sociological and health implications of rape on its victims in Benue State. The study recommends the following that:stringent laws be put in place to ensure that rape perpetrators are justly punished; advocacy by non governmental agencies and governmental agencies should be encouraged to ensure improved reportage of rape to the law enforcement agencies; and Parents should build a strong, healthy, open and friendly relationship with their children for effective regulation of their sexual behaviour.

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