The pattern and characteristics of sexual assault perpetrators and survivors managed at a sexual assault referral centre in Lagos

Abstract

BackgroundThere has presumably been an increase in cases of sexual assault in Nigeria; however, accurate data on the characteristics of the survivors and perpetrators are not readily available in most cases.AimTo report the pattern and characteristics of sexual assault perpetrators and survivors managed at the Mirabel Centre, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja – a three-year review.MethodsA retrospective audit carried out in the sexual assault referral centre (SARC) – Mirabel Centre, LASUTH, Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 2160 case files from July 2013 to January 2017 were assessed for age group of survivors and gender, among others.ResultsA total of 2160 cases were analysed. The mean age of survivors was 13.9 (± 4.4) years with the 11–20 years age group having the highest number of survivors (48.4%) and the 0–10 years age group having 35.9% of survivors. Majority of the survivors (97.7%) were female. The majority of the perpetrators were known to the survivors with 10.3% being family members. Defilement (71.6%) was the most reported type of assault at the centre with rape (20.3%) being the second most common. The majority of the referrals to the centre were from the police (76.7%), while self-referrals made up 8% of referrals.ConclusionMinors and adolescents formed the majority of the survivors. Defilement was the most reported form of sexual violence. There needs to be special intervention for better monitoring and protection of minors and youths against sexual assault. The establishment of more sexual assault referral centres in Nigeria will increase reportage and treatment of survivors.

The gender-based violence and recovery centre at Coast Provincial General Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya: An integrated care model for survivors of sexual violence

“…These data highlight the need to tailor SV services to a generally young population. The age and sex distribution of SV and the details surrounding the incidents reported at our centre mirror reports from other studies and programmes within the country [20], and in other settings [21,22], and suggest similar patterns of vulnerability in most communities. Importantly, whereas males accounted for a small proportion overall—12% of cases—and similar studies have also reported a lower proportion of male survivors compared with females [23,24], over half were aged 11 years and below.…”

Analysis of burden of sexual assaults at Abuja: a 4-year retrospective study

“…It has been defined as any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person's sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the survivor, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work. 1 This act is committed against someone without that person's consent. 1,2 It entails the use of physical force, coercion, deception or threat; and/or the involvement of a victim that is asleep, unconscious, under aged, mentally incapacitated or physically impaired as a result of voluntary or involuntary alcohol or drug consumption.…”

“…1 This act is committed against someone without that person's consent. 1,2 It entails the use of physical force, coercion, deception or threat; and/or the involvement of a victim that is asleep, unconscious, under aged, mentally incapacitated or physically impaired as a result of voluntary or involuntary alcohol or drug consumption. [3][4][5] Coercion can cover a whole spectrum of degrees of force.…”

“…7 The incidence of sexual assault is on the increase trend globally and based on World Health Organization reports, one in five women may experience sexual violence by an intimate partner and up to one-third of adolescent girls report their first sexual experience as being forced in many countries. 1,10 Worldwide, available data had shown that about thirty five percent of women have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. 3 In Nigeria, the reported incidence of sexual assault ranged from 13.8% among female students in Maiduguri to 15% from another study done in Ibadan.…”

“…3 In Nigeria, the reported incidence of sexual assault ranged from 13.8% among female students in Maiduguri to 15% from another study done in Ibadan. 1,11 More than 683,000 adult women are raped yearly in the United States according to population-based studies. 12 In the United States of America (USA), 15% of the university women have experienced a sexual assault and 34-60% have faced unwanted sexual advances.…”