The aftermath of sexual violence among young adult females in Southern Nigeria: disclosure, care-seeking, consequences and effects on sexual behaviour

Background: In spite of the high worldwide prevalence of sexual violence which disproportionately affects women and girls, care and support services for the victims are often deficient for various reasons including non-disclosure due to stigma, shame and inability to access help. Aim: This study examined the aftermath of sexual violence among female undergraduates of the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State who reported having experienced sexual violence. Methodology: Data of the 83 (19.2%) victims identified through a cross-sectional study of 429 female undergraduates selected by systematic random sampling was extracted to determine the pattern of disclosure, care-seeking, consequences and effects on sexual behaviour. Data analysis employed SPSS version 29 and Chi-square test was used to determine sociodemographic factors significantly associated with disclosure with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Results: The victims were aged 15-29 (mean 21.9 ± 2.8) years and 35(42.2%) disclosed their experiences to a third party with commonest reasons for non-disclosure being shame and self-blame [33(68.8%)]. There was no significant association between disclosure and sociodemographic factors (p>0.05). Over half [57(68.7%)] did not seek medical care, mostly due to fear of disclosure. Vaginal pain [33(39.8%)] and depression [81(97.6%] were the commonest physical and psychological consequences reported. The main effects on sexual behaviour included risky sexual behaviour [25(64.1%)] aversion to sex [15(38.5%)] and engagement in same-sex relationships [6(15.4%)]. Conclusion: The study confirms previously documented poor disclosure and care-seeking behaviors with many physical and psychological consequences and negative effects on sexual behaviour for the victims of sexual violence.