INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

sexual assault in society is unequivocally recognised as a criminal act that affects not only the victims but also the whole community. The victim experienced severe psychological distress and may have acquired sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Such circumstances may incite feelings of anxiety, panic, and induce nightmares in the sufferers. The effect is intricate as the society takes precedence above economic progress, leading to a demoralisation of social wellness. sexual assault is often seen as a prevalent occurrence targeting females, who are considered the most susceptible (Abubakar, 2020). It is important to emphasise unequivocally that sexual assault is both a physical attack and a criminal act, since the victim may suffer severe emotional and psychological distress if not provided with appropriate counselling.

Various deeply ingrained and interrelated institutional, social, economic, and cultural issues have systematically infringed against the human rights of women worldwide, rendering them persistently and progressively susceptible to sexual assault (Isaboke, 2019). The economic elements that lead to sexual assault against women are often seen as very detrimental. Every factor contributing to violence against women, regardless of its perceived insignificance, poses a significant threat to their well-being, rights, and even their survival. Among these factors, economic abuse is believed to perpetuate their ongoing suffering. However, the issue of sexual assault deserves particular attention from the global community. Gender-based violence is a widespread issue worldwide, taking many forms. Research has shown that almost one in three women globally had encountered one or more instances of gender-based violence (WHO, 2021). sexual assault victims often endure various forms of maltreatment, which always have a detrimental impact on them (Oluremi, 2015).

Various countries worldwide exhibit varying degrees of vulnerability to different forms of violence. Less developed nations, such as Nigeria, particularly face a higher likelihood of women being subjected to sexual assault, sometimes referred to as gender-based abuse. The reasons for this may be attributed to several variables, such as the inadequate financial resources for couples and the significant levels of stress resulting from poverty and unemployment (Ibenegbu, 2018).

In addition, Agiriga (2019) defines sexual assault as a demeaning, degrading, and agonising ordeal that no victim derives any pleasure from. An instance of this is a sexual assault incident that occurred in a church, resulting in the death of Uwa Omozuwa, a student at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), in Benin City. The frequent instances of this abhorrent crime need the joint involvement of both the government and people in order to eradicate it entirely. The legal system must acknowledge the threat and make necessary changes to their laws in order to effectively address it (Obinuchi & Izzi, 2016). There is a lack of effective policy or legislation to safeguard the victims, who face blame, shame, and public humiliation when their situation becomes known to the public. Hence, it is crucial to implement effective steps to eradicate this malevolent phenomenon in Nigerian society. Thus, it is against this backdrop that this researcher seek to investigate the effect of sexual assault on socioeconomic development in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the problem

sexual assault is considered a violation of women's human rights because of its severity and the negative influence it has on the socioeconomic growth of many nations worldwide (Orjinmo, 2020). Notwithstanding this statement and other global legislation implemented to deter the conduct (Onyemelukwe, 2016), certain socio-cultural factors, particularly in poorer countries, have made these laws ineffectual. The normalisation of gender-based violence (GBV), as documented by the World Health Organisation in 2021, has had profound and far-reaching consequences for the well-being of women and the overall progress of the country, especially in relation to socioeconomic development. In order to overcome poverty, economic stagnation, and its status as the global poverty capital (Uzoho, 2022), the Nigerian government must guarantee the equitable and complete involvement of women in economic and political decision-making (World Bank Group, 2019). Additionally, it should undertake efforts to re-educate and implement measures that will bring about a fundamental change in the mindset of its male population, enabling them to embrace women as equal counterparts in society. Hence, the need to investigate the effect of sexual assault on socioeconomic development in Nigeria.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate the effect of sexual assault on socioeconomic development in Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows

i.          Examine factors responsible for sexual assault in the Nigerian society.

ii.        Investigate the effect of sexual assault on socioeconomic development in Nigeria.

iii.      Assess strategies that can be used to combat the menance of sexual assault in the Nigerian society.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

i.          What are factors responsible for sexual assault in the Nigerian society?

ii.        What is the effect of sexual assault on socioeconomic development in Nigeria?

iii.      What are the strategies that can be used to combat the menance of sexual assault in the Nigerian society?

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be significant to the government and policy makers as they will be exposed to the havoc sexual violence has wrecked on both male and female thereby making laws that will combact the issue of sexual assault and also prosecute offender found guilty of sexual violence.

The findings of the study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on the effect of sexual assault on socioeconomic development in Nigeria. Hence, the study will examine factors responsible for sexual assault in the Nigerian society, investigate the effect of sexual assault on socioeconomic development in Nigeria and assess strategies that can be used to combat the menance of sexual assault in the Nigerian society. Therefore, the study is delimited to Kaduna State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8       Definition of terms

sexual assault: unlawful sexual intercourse or any other sexual penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person, with or without force, by a sex organ, other body part, or foreign object, without the consent of the person subjected to such penetration.: See also sexual assault.

Socioeconomic development:  the process of social and economic progress in a society