Perceived knowledge of causes and prevention strategies for sexual violence among university students in Niger Delta region of Nigeria

Abstract

Sexual violence is a major public health problem that disregards basic human rights globally. Worldwide, mass media reports have shown an increased rate of sexual violence in higher institutions of learning, therefore exploring the knowledge of causes and strategies in prevention of sexual violence among undergraduate students is crucial in order to promote a coordinated movement against it. This descriptive cross-sectional study is aimed at assessing the knowledge of causes and strategies employed in prevention of sexual violence among undergraduate students in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Data were collected using the questionnaire and a multistage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 400 respondents from the population. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 at a 5% level of significance. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected. These were presented in tables and figures. All the respondents have heard of sexual violence and opined that sexual violence is prevalent in the university. Most of the respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge on sexual violence but poor knowledge of where to report cases of sexual violence in the university. The major causes identified were Inadequate Punishment of perpetrators (100%), Keeping silent and not reporting the offenders 392 (98.0%), Portrayal of women as sex objects in the media (96.5%), Alcohol and drugs (95.5%), Inadequate security on campus (99.5%), Indecent dressing 374 (93.5%). The major strategies identified for preventing sexual violence include severe punishment for perpetuators/offenders (100%), adherence to dress code of the school (99.0%), mass campaigns against sexual violence (98.5%), enact laws prohibiting pornography (98.5%), avoid late night outing/party (97%), provision of adequate security on campus and avoid walking alone on lonely path (96.5%)