Cultural Factors

This study examined how cultural factors influence the reporting of sexual abuse among teenagers in Ekosodin Community. The research focused on the ways cultural beliefs, family stigma, gender expectations, and institutional barriers shape whether young people disclose abuse. A total of 384 respondents aged 13 to 17 participated, with data collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings show that cultural silence, taboo attitudes toward sexual matters, and honour-based thinking strongly affect how teenagers interpret abuse. Many respondents indicated that victims are seen as bringing shame to their families, which discourages disclosure. Family stigma emerged as a major barrier, with most teenagers reporting that families fear reputational damage and often suppress discussion of abuse. Gender also played a notable role in the reporting of abuse. Girls were viewed as more believable when reporting abuse, while boys faced doubt tied to expectations of strength and emotional toughness. The study further revealed widespread distrust of authorities, long delays in case handling, and perceptions of bias or corruption in formal reporting channels. Respondents identified the involvement of trusted community leaders, confidential reporting structures, and school-based awareness programmes as strategies that could encourage disclosure. The study concludes that under-reporting in Ekosodin is sustained by an interplay of cultural norms, family pressures, gendered beliefs, and institutional weaknesses. It recommends community-driven education, strengthened family support, gender-sensitive interventions, and improved institutional responsiveness as essential steps toward creating an environment where teenagers can report sexual abuse safely and without fear.

This study examined the impact of cultural factors on the practice of social work in Ekosodin Community. The study adopted a survey research design to explore how cultural beliefs, traditions, and social norms influence social work practice within the community. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected using purposive (judgmental) sampling techniques, consisting of individuals who were involved in or exposed to cultural factors affecting social work practice in the area.

Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire as the research instrument. The instrument was validated using face validity, while its reliability was determined through the test–retest reliability method. The questionnaires were administered personally by the researcher with the assistance of a research assistant, who guided respondents in completing the instrument. The study employed a mixed method approach consisting of a perception survey and a self-substance use survey. The perception survey generated data from members of the community who are affected by cultural influences on social work practices, while the self-substance use survey involved social workers and clients directly impacted by these cultural factors.

The data collected were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics. The findings revealed that cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence the effectiveness of social work practice in the community. The study highlighted the importance of social workers having a deep understanding of the cultural dynamics present among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. The research therefore recommends the inclusion of comprehensive cultural competence training in social work education programs to improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of social work practice in the community.