PERCEIVED IMPLICATIONS OF RAPE ON CHRISTAIN BELIEF SYSTEMS AND ASSESSMENT OF ROLES OF CHRISTAIN BODIES IN RAPE MITIGATION EFFORTS IN ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Abstract

This research paper examined how Christians perceive the implications of rape on their belief system. It also looked at how Christians assessed the roles of Christian bodies (denominations and groups) towards rape mitigation efforts in Anambra state, southeast Nigeria. The study which was anchored on Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) theory of Community Change adopted descriptive mixed method design. The commercial/administrative capitals of the three senatorial zones of the state constituted the study locations. Participants were randomly drawn among adult Christians aged between 18-65 years old. A sample size of 250 adult respondents was considered adequate for applicable statistical techniques .Quantitative data was collected via questionnaire. Also, Focused Group Discussions (FGD) was conducted in the study locations to collect qualitative data. The quantitative data were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The hypotheses for the study were tested using the chi-square inferential statistics while qualitative data generated from FGD were transcribed verbatim and analyzed manually based on the themes of the study. The findings showed that respondents did not differ significantly (x2 = 1.839 df = 3, p>.606) between their levels of education and their views of the implication of rape on Christian faith. The study also found that Christain bodies help victims of rape to obtain justice against culprits so as to protect them from further victimization. Furthermore, it was also observed that the tide of rape can be stemmed by Christian bodies when they embark on educating the public on the moral depravity of rape in the society .It was therefore strongly recommended that Christian bodies should embark on a massive enlightenment of their followers on the implications of rape as a heinous crime.