The Mental Health Impact of Sexual Violence: Attending To the Unmet Needs of Rape Survivors in Bayelsa State

Endurance Avah Zacchaeus and Lawrence Ayah Iruo,
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Endurance Avah Zacchaeus: Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, Yenagoa, Nigeria
Lawrence Ayah Iruo,: Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing,Faculty of Nursing Sciences,Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island,Bayelsa State, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2020, vol. 4, issue 11, 361-371

Abstract: Current statistics show an alarming rise in the incidence of sexual violence and rape in Nigeria. This, potentially, constitutes a major mental health challenge. Apart from physical health impacts, research has consistently shown a strong nexus between sexual violence and poor mental health including suicide among survivors. Nevertheless, in Nigeria, the response of individuals, government agencies and organisations to cases of sexual violence and rape has predominantly been medico-legal, while ignoring the psycho-social and mental health aftermaths. Therefore, rape survivors are left with unmet short-term, intermediate and long-term mental health care needs. This paper reviews sexual violence, rape in particular being the most prevalent form of sexual violence in our communities with a view to enhancing understanding of the problem among the public and drawing attention of concerned authorities and critical stake-holders. It specifically addresses relevant concepts of sexual violence including definition, prevalence, factors that may influence its occurrence as well as common mental health consequences and psychological interventions for survivors. The paper concludes with key recommendations aimed at addressing rape survivors’ psychological support and mental healthcare needs as well as preventive strategies aimed at checking the menace in Bayelsa State, and Nigeria in general.

Date: 2020
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