PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF RAPE ON VICTIMS: EXPLORING AVAILABLE LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND OTHER REMEDIES TO THE RESCUE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Rape is an unwholesome or forceful sexual intercourse meted against an individual irrespective of their gender without due consent of the victim. Although most Nigerians do not report the incidence of rape due to societal stigma attached to it, yet the psychological effects of rape on victims are quite substantial and long lasting. This review paper examined the major psychological effects of rape on victims like women, men, children and minors. Legal instruments for seeking redress for rape in Nigeria were equally reviewed and evaluated to encourage the public to take advantage of them in future.. Above all, the paper proffered far reaching remedies toward curtailing rape in the Nigerian society.