THE EFFECTS OF RAPE IN GBOKO LGA, BENUE STATE

ABSTRACT Rape is a crime not only to the victims but the entire society. It traumatizes and overwhelms the victim with great psychological pains and other likely venereal infections like STD. This could lead to fear, panic, night mares on the victims. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of rape in Gboko Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, Nigeria, This study adopted survey research design using cross-sectional studies. This research was confined to Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The sample size in this study was chosen using Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using a collection of methods. Survey method of data collection was used. A structured interview with both open ended and close ended questions was used. From the findings, the environmental effects of rape in the study area include increase in single parent families, sleep disturbance, physical injury, loss of honour, leads to spread of infectious diseases, affects human capital development among others. The environmental effects of rape in the study area include increase in single parent families, sleep disturbance, physical injury, loss of honour, leads to spread of infectious diseases, affects human capital development among others. The study concluded among others that the social effects of rape in the study area include stigma against the victim, feeling of shame, low self-esteem, drop out of school, isolation, leads to unplanned pregnancy, may lead to death, instability in marriage/relationship, social exclusion, leads to divorce among. The economic effects of rape in the study area include huge economic burden, loss of job, low income, low productivity, better health status of orphans, provision of social support, ability to interact with others, improved sense of belonging, ability to overcome challenges among others. The study recommended among others the need for parents should be more concerned about the wellbeing and where about of their wards especially the girl child. This will help to reduce their exposure to rape in their environment. There is need for all stakeholders including parents, traditional and religious leaders, government to strengthen the socialization process of children and resocialization for adults.