CHILD RAPE AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC: NEED FOR LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTION

Abstract

Rape is the act of sexual intercourse without the consent of the victim, no matter how slight the penetration. The issue of child rape is very critical because of its negative impact on the life of the child. Despite, plethora of laws on the protection of children from rape, paedophiles still violate children because the laws are rarely enforced, hence, the need for this study. The aim of this study is to advocate for the protection of children via legislative intervention. The work adopted doctrinal method, through the use of documentary sources, statute and case laws. The study reviewed legal frameworks that provide for protection of children and x-rayed factors that exacerbate child rape in Nigeria. The work discovered that there are many lapses inherent in our legal frame work .Apart from that, rape has serious health implication that impairs the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of the child. Furthermore, the work discovered that pandemic escalated child rape in Nigeria. The study advocates for review of our legal framework, for example Violence Against Person’s (Prohibition) Act 2015, 1999 Constitution, Criminal Code etc.