ASSESSMENT OF CASES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON TEENAGE GIRLS IN INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS’ CAMPS IN GUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE.

ABSTRACT This study assessed sexual violence on teenage girls in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Specifically, the study evaluated the causes, rate and effects of sexual violence on teenagers in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The study adopted Social Control Theory. Descriptive design was employed by the study. A sample size of 400 respondents was drawn. The instrument used for data collection questionnaire. Data collected through this method was analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. The findings revealed that sexual abuse against females in IDPs camp Guma was high. Findings revealed that food, poor socialization and low self-esteem were some of the causes of sexual violence among teenage girls. Findings also revealed that the many girls in the IDPs camps suffered sexual violence. The major effects of sexual violence on the teenage girls were unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and shame to the family among others. infested with sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs) from their perpetrators. Findings revealed that camp officials were the actual perpetrators of sexual abuse against female IDPs. The study recommended that there should be regular awareness on sex and health talk, there should be strict watch against the issue of sexual violence and finally, decent accommodation should be provided for the teenage girls in the IDP camps in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.