PREVALENCE, CAUSES AND IMPACT OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN EKOSODIN COMMUNITY, OVIA NORTH-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

This research examined the prevalence, root causes, and consequences of child sexual abuse within the Ekosodin Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area. A sample of 320 young individuals was selected using a simple random sampling technique from five streets within the Ekosodin Community. The research objectives were developed and tested using structured questionnaires validated through content validity employing the expert judgment approach. Findings revealed that child sexual abuse incidents frequently occur in isolated settings, such as when children are alone, during nighttime, and outside their homes. The study also revealed a lack of awareness and knowledge about child sexual abuse within impoverished communities that increases the risk of abuse. Furthermore, the research found that traditional norms assigning blame to female victims significantly impact the prevalence of child sexual abuse, and participants agreed on the negative consequences of unhealthy relationships with children. The recommendations of this study include raising awareness of the prevalence and impact of child sexual abuse in the Ekosodin Community, strengthening child protection systems, addressing the root causes of abuse, providing support services to survivors, and eliminating stigmatization and victim blaming.