Psychosocial Variables Influencing Disclosure and Help Seeking Behaviour of Rape Victims in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: Although rape is an age-long crime, its recent hike in Nigeria is not only frightening, but has also left many troubled particularly as the rapists do not only have violent, and coercive sexual intercourse with their victims, but in certain cases also end the victim’s life in cold blood. More perplexing is the culture of silence and the indifference of victims to seek help. This study examines specific factors that discourages rape victims from speaking out and seeking help in Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: Cross-sectional survey research design that allows the triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods was opted for. Questionnaires are distributed to 1,200 respondents selected through multi-stage sampling techniques, while in-depth interviews are administered on 16 respondents across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis and interpretation of research findings and the qualitative data are analysed using content analysis. Results: There is an upsurge in the incident of rape cases and an increasing number of rape victims do not report such incidents or seek help due to fear of stigmatisation, the victim’s relationship to the perpetrator and attitude of law enforcement agents. Conclusion: Despite overwhelming evidence of rape at the public domain, it remains a silent epidemic and a serious public health issue that is mostly underreported and unrecognized with many victims concealing their experiences of the abuse. There must be an aggressive campaign against rape and the provision of incentives by government that would encourage and support victims to speak out and seek help at the right time and place.