COVD19 LOCKDOWN AND OUTBREAK OF RAPE IN NIGERIA: A REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS
Abstract
Since the outbreak of coronavirus in Nigeria and the declaration of lockdown by the government as one of the global measures for containing the spread of the ravaging dreaded pandemic, there is an unusual frequency of the incidents of rape in Nigeria. In the phenomenological rape outbreak, incestual rape is on the increase, fathers defiling their innocent female children; even as tender as three months old babies are falling victims. Currently, several cases are going on with the perpetrators being arrested and prosecuted. This paper, using a descriptive approach, seeks to investigate the public health challenges arising from the common rape outbreak, delving into the potential traumatic impact and consequences the rape incidents could leave on the victims, especially as it has to do with the defilement of young and infant victims whose tender genitals have been injured through the activities of the adult rapists. The study argues that the escalation of rape cases in Nigeria is another outbreak of social vices that should be pursued as public health emergency. Considering the psychological and overall health hazards arising from rape, there is urgent need for the inculcation of diverse health and safety approaches, such as sex education, health education, health promotion and campaign as well as legal actions and intensified social orientation in order to curb the menace and secure the public health protection of our female citizens as further occurrences are prevented.
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