Prevalence and Effects of Sexual Abuse of Female Minors in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Abstract

The study examined the prevalence and effects of sexual abuse on female minors in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Exploring the effects of sexual abuse on female minors and identifying various measures to be used in controlling sexual abuse of female minors were among the objectives of the study using social control theory. A total of 204 respondents were used. Multistage and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. The collected data were analysed using simple frequency distribution tables and simple percentages. Findings from the study showed that sexual abuse of female minors is still prevalent. It was also found that there are various factors, such as poor parental upbringing, inadequate housing, sexual perversity, and cultural beliefs that influence the prevalence of sexual abuse of female minors. Also, it was observed in the study that the various forms of sexual abuse of female minors include physical sexual contact with children who are female, indecent exposure to adult genitals, using a female child to produce child pornography, and sexual harassment of underage girls. However, the study found that gynaecological disorders, unwanted pregnancy, memory loss, and unconditional fear are the effects of sexual abuse of female minors. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that the government should ensure that stiffer penalties are taken against perpetrators of sexual abuse, including jail sentences, in order to discourage or deter potential perpetrators from committing the same offence.