LASU’s research on rape reveals alarming rate of child sexual abuse, others

A study conducted by a rape research team from Lagos State University (LASU) in 12 states across the country’s six geopolitical zones has revealed alarming rates of childhood sexual abuse with 35 per cent, as well as data showing that both married and unmarried women experience significant sexual violence.

The research, titled “Emerging Patterns and Determinants of Rape: Comparative Study of Rural-Urban Communities in Nigeria, analysed data from over 3,000 females across urban and rural areas in 12 states.

The N34 million research funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) indicates that there are evidences of childhood sexual abuse, rape among young females, women of reproductive age, elderly females and marital rape in rural and urban communities.

The eight-man team, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan as the Principal Investigator, presented the key findings at the national dissemination seminar held at the ACEITSE Lecture Hall, LASU main campus, Ojo.

Omobitan said the project had fostered interdisciplinary collaboration in the institution, bringing together experts from the departments of Economics, Sociology, Counselling, Geography and Planning.

Also, the Project Coordinator, Prof. OnipedeWusu, who provided details of the project, said that the research is significant as rape has long-lasting effects on victims and makes them more vulnerable, noting that there is a need for more efforts on child protection in Nigeria.

The researchers, therefore, stressed the need for the government to design and implement the child protection law to prevent childhood sexual abuse in communities.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who hailed the team for the feat, said their achievement aligns with her administration’s commitment to make LASU the best university in West Africa, adding that the achievement of the team takes the university closer to realisation of the goal of becoming a research and innovation hub.