Comparative Retrospective Review of Survivor and Perpetrator Profiles in Two Nigerian Sexual Assault Referral Centres: Implications for Policy and Protection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71637/tnhj.v25i3.1172Keywords:
Sexual Assault, SARC, Survivors, Mirabel Centre, Nana-Khadijah CentreAbstract
Background: There is increased awareness about sexual assault in Nigeria however there are gaps in the description of sexual assault survivors and perpetrators. The comparison of two sexual assault referral centers (SARC’s) can help drive policy formulation in tackling sexual assault in Nigeria.
Method: A comparison was carried out of the (SARC) – Mirabel Centre, LASUTH, Lagos State, and Nana Khadijah Centre, Sokoto. Case files from the Mirabel center, Lagos and Nana Khadijah center, Sokoto were assessed. SPSS version 26 was used for statistical analysis. All categorical variables were summarized using percentages and proportions. Chi-square was used to determine differences between the variables between both centers. P-value less than 0.05 at 95% Confidence interval was assumed to be significant.
Results: A total of 10,158 cases were analyzed. Both centers had a majority of survivors aged 0-17 years old. There were significantly higher proportion in Nana Khadijah center, for age group 30-39 (p-<0.0001), multiple perpetrators (p-<0.001), and sources of referral (<0.001). The Mirabel center had significantly higher proportions for ages 14-17 years (p<0.01), 23-29 years (p<0.001), female gender (p-<0.001), unknown perpetrators (p- <0.001) and type of assault (<0.001).
Conclusion: There are many similarities among the survivors and perpetrators of sexual assault in Lagos and Sokoto. The gender disparity of survivors noted indicates the need to treatment modalities that encompass male and female survivors. There must be local policies that focus on sensitization, prevention and funding support for treatment of sexual assault in Nigeria.
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