Sexual Violence against Schoolgirls in Jimma Zone: Prevalence, patterns, and consequences

Abstract

In this study, an attempt was made to explore the magnitude, pattern and consequences of sexual violence against schoolgirls in Jimma zone. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey among high schoolgirls and one focus group discussion. A total of 1118 girls participated in the survey. Among these subjects, 296 or 26.5 % were sexually active by the time of the survey. Out of these girls, 60 or 20.4% started sexual activity forcefully. Seventy five or 87.3% of subjects reported that they were raped only once while 11 or 12.7% were raped more than once in their life time. Furthermore, 50 or 9.1% of the girls had experienced attempted rape, 462 or 40.9% physical assaults (beating), 849 or 75.9% female circumcision, 208 or 28.2% non-consensual kissing,230 or 31.1%non-consensul touching and 368 or 49.8%of the subjects experienced offensive sexual languages and comments.

The unwelcome physical and psychological outcomes of the rape were very serious. Among the victims of rape 11 or 12.8% had abortion, 25 or 29.6% had too much bleeding, 13 or 15.1% experienced infection of the pelvic, and 10 or 12.4% of the victims experienced vaginal discharges. Regarding psychological consequences, self-hate or blaming, anxiety or fear, irritation, suicidal thought, and depression were reported by 24.6 %( 21), 23.6% (20), 15.4% (13), 11.3% (10), and 10.3% (9) of the rape victims, respectively. From these results, it is concluded that sexual violence against schoolgirls is a serious problem in the zone. Due to the severity of the problem, 32(26.7%) of the victim girls were forced to drop out of school.

Teachers, schoolboys and street wanderers are found to be participating in sexual violence against the girls. The victims reported that they had consumed alcohol (52.8%) and khat (33.5%) at the time of rape. Besides, threats of harm and use of physical force were found to be important mechanisms used by the rapists. The majority of the victims didn\'t report to any legal body because of fears and lack of awareness.

As sexual violence against schoolgirls is pervasive, efforts must be done to tackle the problem and promote harassment-free environment for young girls. Especially, improvement of law enforcement related to sexual violence or harassment and awareness promotion of the problem and women\'s rights are very essential. Schoolgirls must be empowered educationally about their sexual rights and how to handle their problems. Sensitization of the problem by police officers, teachers, and other concerned bodies is needed. Besides, training of health professionals and psychologists on how to handle cases of sexual abuse and counseling or rehabilitation is strongly recommended.


Ethiopian Journal of Education and Science Vol. 2 (2) 2007: pp. 11-37