Prevalence and Causes of Gender Based Violence (GBV) Among Students in Tertiary Institutions in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a growing problem in Nigeria, with reports of cases increasing across different regions of the country. This menace has been identified to be associated with different public health challenges and problems. GBV encompasses various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, and psychological, and it disproportionately affects females, including minors. Understanding GBV among students is vital in addressing the issues relating to GBV because of the influence of education in addressing social challenges. This study, therefore, investigates the prevalence, of GBV, and identifies the causes, and perpetrators of GBV among students of tertiary institutions in Abuja, Nigeria. The study adopts a descriptive cross-sectional survey research design to study the prevalence of all forms of GBV among the study population. The study was conducted among students of tertiary institutions in Abuja, representing the three major types of tertiary institutions in the location. The sample size of 440 respondents was calculated using a scientific sample size formula for cross-sectional studies and stratified sampling was used to ensure adequate representation. A pre-tested well structured standardized questionnaire with open and closed-ended questions was used to collect data, which was analysed using simple descriptive statistics. The prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) among tertiary institutions in Abuja, Nigeria was found to be high, with 61.9% for physical abuse, 56.4% for psychological abuse, and 25.3% for sexual abuse. The most prevalent form of physical abuse is slapping, while the most prevalent form of sexual abuse is forceful kissing, and the most prevalent form of psychological abuse is insults/criticism. Teachers/instructors were found to be the most significant perpetrators of physical abuse, while non-relatives are the most significant perpetrators of sexual abuse, and fellow students/learners are the most significant perpetrators of psychological abuse. The major causes of GBV are gender norms which include traditional beliefs and practices, religious beliefs and practices, and the belief that males are superior to females. This study highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat GBV effectively. It recommends an urgent approach to combat the prevalence of GBV among the study population, engaging major stakeholders and policymakers.