RAPE AMONG PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The study investigated causes and consequences of rape among secondary school students in Anambra state. Two research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was made of 32125 Senior Secondary School students in public secondary schools in Anambra State. A sample of 600 students -was involved in the study. The sample was composed using the simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed by researchers. The questionnaire was duly validated; two experts in Sociology of Education and one expert in Measurement and Evaluation, all from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, validated the questionnaire. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was ascertained using Cronbach Alpha. Mean was used to analyze the data collected. Findings showed that mode of dressing, negative peer interaction and influence, drug abuse, lack of self control, absence of strict law against rape, exposure to immoral films on social media among others leads to rape. Also, the second findings showed the of consequences rape such as low self esteem, low academic performance, physical injuries, isolated lifestyle, death as a result of traumatic experience, unwanted pregnancy among others. It was recommended among others that religious institutions should not shy off in discussing sexuality issues. This key role should be a joint venture between the government, religious organizations, schools and the entire society at large.