Coping Strategy for Sexually Abused Victims in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sexual abuse is usually accompanied by some problems. In a bid to cope with these problems, victims adopt some strategies which may not have been effective at tackling the problems associated with sexual abuse. Therefore, this study investigated the coping strategies adopted by sexually abused victims in Anambra state with a view of assessing the effectiveness of these strategies. The study formulated three research questions and reviewed literature on sexual abuse. the study anchored on trait theory as propounded by Gordon Allport because, it effectively explains the adoption and effectiveness of a coping strategy for sexually abused victims. The study adopted a qualitative research design because; qualitative method of data collection technique and data analysis was adopted in this study. Data was derived through Key Persons Interview (KPI) and secondary sources of data collection technique. 6 males and 6 females; from different religious, ethnic, educational and occupational background who are resident in Anambra state and have been sexually abused in one way or the other were selected for this study using a snowball sampling technique. The data derived from the study was analysed using an ethnographic summary and verbatim quotation for better comprehension. Findings revealed that sexually abused victims suffer physically and emotionally. It was also reviewed that, while some of the victims relied on time to heal their wound, some others reported to their parents, while others found solace in participating in church activities. However, none of these strategies was an effective coping strategy. It was recommended that, parents build a friendly relationship with their children. Also, government and non-government organization (NGOs) to establish a formal body or agency that will provide social support for sexually abused victims.