Sexual Violence and Victim Blaming in Nigeria.
Findings from a National Survey carried out in 2014 in Nigeria confirmed one in four females reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood with approximately 70% reporting more
than one incident of sexual violence. In the same study, it was found that 24.8% of females aged 18 to 24-years experienced sexual abuse prior to age 18 of which 5.0% sought help, with only
3.5% receiving any form of support.
Sexual violence is a severely traumatic experience that affects the victim emotionally and physically. Sexual violence increases shame, leaves the person more disconnected from their own
feelings as well as make it harder to connect with other people. Many sexual violence victims sustain physical injury with attendant pain as well as develop sleep disturbances excessive fear, suicidal tendencies and hatred for men. Yet there is limited attention to this crime and the flourishing of victim blaming.
The result shows that sexual violence and victim blaming are common in Nigeria.
The fact that a greater percentage of respondents are in favour of victim blaming calls for deep concern. A look at the table shows that more males are in favour of victim blaming and more females are indifferent. During the study, most females declined response to the physically administered questionnaire but they responded very well to the online questionnaire.
Victim blaming is a way of encouraging the perpetrators of sexual violence to continue with impunity. This further gets the victim humiliated and dehumanized. The person feels invaded, defiled and disowned through victim blaming and gender stereotyping.
Women Health Open J. 2021; 7(1): 27-30. doi: 10.17140/WHOJ-7-143