Experimental Analysis on the Awareness of Sexual Assault as a Class of Gender-Based Violence Among Teenagers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajpehs.v4i1.5774Keywords:
Awareness, Gender-Based Violence, Rape Perception, Sexual Assault, TeenagersAbstract
Sexual assault, a critical form of gender-based violence risks among teenagers. This study investigates the awareness of sexual assault among secondary school teenagers to better understand their perceptions and knowledge of the subject. The research employed a descriptive survey design conducted in a selected secondary school within the study area. The target population consisted of teenagers in SS1–SS3, with a sample size of 65 respondents selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire whose reliability was confirmed through a pilot test. Findings revealed that 55.8% of respondents were aged 14–17 years, 46.2% were aged 18–21 years, with no respondents aged 22 years and above. Females constituted 55.4% of the sample, while males accounted for 44.6%. Class distribution showed 29% in SS3, 37% in SS2, and 34% in SS1, with a dominant religious affiliation of Christianity (93.8%). In assessing awareness, respondents strongly rejected the misconception that rape is a sexual agreement (mean = 1.6) and accepted that it is forceful intercourse without consent (mean = 3.4). While rejecting the notion that a woman cannot be a rapist (mean = 2.0), they acknowledged that rape can occur between individuals of the same sex (mean = 2.7) and between relatives of opposite sex (mean = 2.6). A significant majority agreed that rape is a punishable offence (mean = 3.7). The study showed that while teenagers possess substantial awareness of the criminal nature of sexual assault, certain misconceptions persist, indicating the need for continuous sensitization and educational programs to address gaps in understanding.
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