Curbing the Menaces of Rape and Sexual Violence in Contemporary Nigerian Societies

Abstract:

The aim of this research work is to curb the menace of rape and sexual violence in contemporary Nigerian societies. This became necessary because rape and sexual violence are some of the challenges which many suffered from in contemporary Nigerian societies. These vices have gradually become a serious threat to vulnerable people in the country. It is no longer safe for female children and women to walk alone in some places because of the fear of being raped or sexually abused. The findings of the research have shown that there are alarming rate of rape and sexual violence in Nigerian society. For there are many instances in which children, especially female children have been raped on their way to or from school or at home when their parents left for works. Therefore, this problem has done a lot of damage to many female children and women alike. It has also shattered the life of many people, who have been victims of this evil menace. Although people who have been affected by the evil of rape and sexual violence are suffering from the trauma of what happened to them, yet little is being done to curb this menace. This research has shown that this is a pathetic situation that requires urgent attention from all concerned and well-meaning citizens. The major question which this research paper has answered is that: What is it that should be done in order to curb the menace of rape and sexual violence against those who are vulnerable to these inhuman acts in Nigerian societies? While the method that was used in this research is “Random surveys” of cases of rape and sexual violence in Nigeria. The researcher finds it necessary to adopt this method because it is suitable for an objective generalization of the findings. Meanwhile, the theory on which this research hangs is the “Holistic Approach Theory”. The premise of this theory is that curbing the menace of rape and sexual violence in contemporary Nigerian societies requires the collective efforts of the community, the church, the government, civil society/NGOs, mass media and that of the concern citizens. The research presupposes that unless all efforts are collectively put together, it will be difficult to fight these evils that have ravaged our societies.