Prevalence and pattern of rape in children and young persons in a Specialist Hospital in Benin City, South-South, Nigeria

Rapea form of sexual violence is an important clinical and public health problem worldwide. It is associated with physical, psychological and social consequences that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. However, data on rape is scanty especially in developing Countries like Nigeria where it is underreported. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and pattern of rape among females ≤ 24years managed in Central Hospital, Benin City, South-South Nigeria. We conducted a case control study using researcher administered questionnaire. Mean age was 13.73 (±6.46) years, 60.2% of victims resided in tenement houses. 71.8% occurred during the day, 35.9% in the victim’s residence, 26.9% had extra-genital injuries and 71.8% had genital trauma. Family function was associated (test statistic 35.58, p<0.001) with rape. Family structure was associated (test statistic 10.60, p=0.014) with rape. Only 37.2% reported to police. Rape is high in this environment and mainly perpetrated by neighbours in the residence of the victim. Individuals with educated mothers were less likely to be raped and majority belonged to families that tended towards poverty. Rape was found to be significantly associated with family structure and function.