TOWARDS CURTAILING THE MENACE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE OF RAPE IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA: RE-INVENTING TRADITIONAL FAMILY SYSTEM OF THE IGBO GROUP AS THE PANACEA

Abstract

The rise in incidences of sexual violence like rape in Nigeria has become a very worrisome phenomenon, particularly the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors, under-aged girls and women. The victims of rape encounter severe trauma (especially with culture of silence associated with rape) and other challenges, even as the socio-economic development of the Nigerian society at large is also adversely affected in various ways due to recurrence of rape cases. This paper examines how traditional family system of the Igbo group could be harnessed to advantage in curtailing the spate of rape in Southeast region of Nigeria. Anchored on social control theory of Hirschi (1968), which sees crime and deviance as products of social institutions losing control over individuals, the paper contended that the character of the family of rearing is a major factor that determines whether an individual could perpetrate rape or expose self to risk situations where he or she could be raped. In particular, the paper canvassed the position that the traditional family system of the Igbo group is uniquely structured to curtail rape via training and re-training it provides members. It was emphasized that even extended family members and the community at large partake in child training and socialization processes and all serve as watchdog against deviance. Accordingly, this paper recommended the re-birth of the traditional family system and family unions even in urban settings. It also recommended the upholding of family decisions by courts to enable the family system remain relevant in imbibing appropriate morals and curtailing rape, particularly in southeast in Nigeria.