Trends and patterns of sexual assaults in Lagos south-western Nigeria

• Published in: The Pan African medical journal Vol. 24; no. 261; p. 261
• Main Authors: Ezechi, Oliver Chukwujekwu, Adesolamusa, Zaidat, David, Agatha Nkiru, Wapmuk, Agatha Eileen, Gbajabiamila, Titilola Abike, Eugeniaidigbe, Ifeoma, Ezeobi, Paschal Mbanefo, Ohihoin, Aigbe Greg, Ujah, Innocent Achanya Otobo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Uganda African Field Epidemiology Network 2016; The African Field Epidemiology Network; The Pan African Medical Journal
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Crime Victims - statistics & numerical data; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; nigeria; Nigeria - epidemiology; Prevalence; rape; Rape - statistics & numerical data; Retrospective Studies; Sex Offenses - statistics & numerical data; sexual assault; sexual violence; women; Young Adult; rape; sexual violence; Nigeria; Sexual assault; women
• ISSN: 1937-8688; 1937-8688
• DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2016.24.261.9172

Sexual assault is a severely traumatic experience that disproportionally affects women and girls. Yet there is limited information on the subject in our environment. This study was conducted to determine the trend and pattern of sexual assault among Nigerians. A retrospective study of sexual assault victims managed at a large clinic in south west Nigeria. Victims were identified from the programme data base and case files retrieved from medical records department. Relevant information was extracted and managed with SPSS for windows version 19. Steady increase in the proportion of reported cases of sexual violence over the years (P < 0.0001) was observed. Sexual assaults were recorded among the males (6.1%), although female victims were in the majority (93.9%). Sexual assault was found to be higher in person's <20 years and the unmarried. Most sexual assault occurred during the day time. Assailants were mostly persons known to the victim (52.0%) and the assault occurred mostly in the assailants' house or office (48.5%). Sexual assault through vaginal route only (87.2%) was the most common route of sexual assault. Threat of violence (31.1%) and physical force (29.6%) was the common methods for overcoming the victims. Follow up was completed by 75.0% of the victims. Sexual assault is common in our environment, with increasing prevalence and change in pattern. Young persons aged less than 20 years constitutes the majority of victims and assailants were mostly persons known to them. The current public education on the evils of sexual violence should be intensified.