THE EPIDEMIC OF RAPE SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Rape is a worrisome epidemic that is becoming problematic in contemporary Nigeria due to many factors that are already inherent in the Nigerian society. Historically, women have always been subjugated and oppressed by men in most cultures in Nigeria. This situation is due to the inequality in gender relations between men and women. Rape has always been with mankind throughout the world. However, in recent times, the incidence of rape has increased in Nigeria. The hegemonic patriarchal cultural values and practices make it difficult for women and young girls who are raped to obtain justice. Perpetrators often go unpunished even if the victims have the courage to report the incident. Rape has always been condemned by most societies around the world. It is usually associated with primitiveness and brutality and it is not seen as something that would be found among refined people. Most societies define rape as a criminal offence and those found guilty of rape are severely punished. Rape can be perpetrated by a man or a woman but in this paper, I chose to focus on the woman and young girls as the victims. The approach is both analytically and deductive in nature.