Sexual Abuse of Children in Awka, Anambra State Nigeria

Abstract

This exploratory study used sixty six (66) children as research participants aimed at establishing the following: the incidence of sexual abuse of children in Awka, the Anambra State Capital of Nigeria, and its environs; the profiles of the victims and assailants; the motivational factors associated with the problem. Findings revealed a high incidence of sexual abuse among children in Awka and its environment. The result also showed that almost every child is vulnerable to being sexually abused by parents, guardians, relatives, caretakers or strangers. Based on this, a viable child protection policy by government was advocated.

Keywords: Sexual Abuse, Children in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria