Gender based inequality tend to be concomitant with sexual violence and it is not uncommon in western and non-western societies.  Violence against women is a widespread problem in sub-Saharan Africa. A number of researches have been done in countries around Africa showing high occurrence of different forms of violence with that of physical abuse of high prevalence. Nigeria was ranked 110 out of about 135 countries in the 2012 Gender Gap index,) Literature has shown that the patriarchal structure of the society which encourages male dominance and exploitation seems to be responsible, thus endemic in the Nigerian society to the point that it is seen as a way of life. The paper therefore tried to bring to light the interplay between the socio- cultural believes of selected communities and the negligence of the government on the occurrences and reportage of sexual violence. The study is of the view that it is impossible to discuss sexual violence without dabbling into gender identity, bodily integrity, offenders, victims and consequences meted to anyone that commits such heinous crime.

Gender, Violence, Crime, Women, Abuse

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