RAPE PREVENTION IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN SOCIETY: THE ROLE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

Rape is a criminal act of sexual misconduct that violates the dignity of victims and
threatens their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Despite its prevalence in Nigeria,
many cases remain unreported due to stigmatisation, victim-blaming, fear of retaliation, and threats
from perpetrators. Existing research has largely focused on the prevalence, causes, signs and
symptoms, and consequences of rape, with limited attention given to preventive interventions and
the professional roles of guidance counsellors. This qualitative study addresses this gap by
reviewing secondary sources, including textbooks, journal articles, newspapers, and online
materials, analysed through content analysis and anchored on psychoanalytic theory. The study
examines the meaning and types of rape, contributing factors, signs and symptoms, prevalence, and
the challenges guidance counsellors encounter in implementing rape prevention programmes. The
findings highlight that factors such as patriarchal cultural norms, gender inequality, lack of sexual
education, exposure to violence, peer influence, mental health challenges, and social myths about
indecent dressing contribute to rape. The paper recommends that guidance counsellors should
intensify public awareness about rape through campaigns, workshops, and seminars. Guidance
counsellors should also provide counselling services to victims and individuals at risk to help them
cope with trauma and pursue justice. In addition, guidance counsellors should collaborate with
parents, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to strengthen institutional
support and preventive mechanisms. By emphasising the preventive and rehabilitative roles of
guidance counsellors, this study contributes to strategies for reducing rape and supporting victims
in Nigerian society.