A Sociological Analysis of Perpetrators and Facilitators of Gender-Based Violence in Selected Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria
Keywords:
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Tertiary Institutions, Nigeria, Institutional MechanismsAbstract
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a pervasive problem in Nigerian tertiary institutions, posing a significant threat to the safety, academic success, and total well-being of students. This study examines the facilitators and perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within selected universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria, specifically in Edo, Katsina, and Taraba states. It aims to explore the drivers of SGBV in Nigerian tertiary institutions, identify and categorize the individuals or groups responsible for perpetrating such violence, and investigate the underlying dynamics that contribute to its continued prevalence, despite the existence of policies and previous scholarly interventions. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with students, staff, and relevant stakeholders. Findings reveal that factors such as academic struggles, financial constraints, unsafe environments, cultural norms, and power imbalances drive the prevalence of SGBV. Perpetrators include lecturers, male students, administrative staff, strangers, and intimate partners, while institutional weaknesses exacerbate the issue. The study concludes that ineffective reporting systems, fear of retaliation, and economic vulnerability sustain SGBV. It recommends institutional reforms, strengthened awareness campaigns, enhanced campus security, and robust survivor support mechanisms to foster safer learning environments.
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