THE EFFECTS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON VULNERABLE GROUPS IN LAGOS COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Sexual violence is considered a serious violation of human rights and is a widespread phenomenon that does not discriminate based on race, religion, ethnicity or language. Sexual violence against women is a social problem that occurs within the immediate social setting, has serious consequences affecting the victims’ physical, emotional, health, and social well-being. Sexual
violence against women deprives them of their right to participate in societal life and holds them ineffective in the immediate social settings such as family, kinship, social norms and values shared by the majority. This study evaluated the effects of sexual violence on the vulnerable groups in Lagos communities. An interview technique was used to collect data. A total of fifty-five
participants were purposively selected for the interview due to their vast knowledge on the topic under study. Findings revealed that sexual violence has a major impact on women and hinders their full inclusion and participation in social life, sexual violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to
domination over and discrimination against women by men. Sexual violence against women is an act of gender-based violence that affects women physically, sexually, psychologically and emotionally and most of the victims of sexual violence are not given swift justice and attention they required. Recommendations include; government should equip sexual violence first responders to
enhance their capacities and capabilities in combating sexual violence, should provide support and empower victims and survivors of sexual violence, should establish partnerships and collaboration with law enforcement officials and the judiciary in addressing sexual violence, the law makers to legislate stringent laws that can be used in combating sexual violence and need for
the domestication of sexual offences rated law in Lagos and all states in Nigeria.