Perceived determinants of rape incidences among female teens in Ibadan

Abstract

Rape is a social evil that has been rampaging the society at large with serious physical, sexual and reproductive and mental health problems to its victims. Few researches have being conducted on this phenomenon therefore, the present study sought to explore the perception of female teens hawkers in Ibadan on the determinants of rape through a mixed- method survey that covered eight notable markets in Ibadan, involving 40 respondents. The study found that parental carelessness, child labour and not reporting cases of rape to police and law enforcement agency are strong determinants to rape incidences while indecent dressing does not. The study recommended that female teens should be enlightened on how to prevent them from being raped by perpetrators Government should review its law on rape such as the rules on sentencing and on admissibility of evidence; removing the requirements for victims 'accounts to be corroborated and mandating slate assistance to victims and there is need for aggressive advocacy coupled with community-based health education interventions aimed at changing biased gender norms, cultural beliefs, perceptions and attitudes that promote or sustain rape and such should target lawmakers at various levels (local, state and federal), judiciary personnel, police, community-based organisations, faith- based organisations as well as educational and research institutions