Motherhood and the Challenges of Curbing Female Child Sexual Abuse in a Nigerian Community

Parental involvement in child rearing is culturally defined by gender. This study examines the prevalence of child sexual abuse in Ile-Ife, a Yoruba community and mothers’ strategies towards managing their girl child sexual health. Two categories of respondents which consisted of young girls in selected secondary schools and their mothers were purposively selected. A sample of 56 female students and 35 mothers were selected. A structured questionnaire was used in eliciting information on the prevalence of child sexual abuse among the girls, while in-depth interviews were held the mothers on their management strategies. Findings showed that 56% of the girls have been sexually abused and 85% of them were familiar with their perpetrators. Cases of sexual abuse were unreported by the victims except when physical damages were involved or when caught in the act. Mothers claimed awareness of child sexual abuse, but were rather unwilling to prosecute the perpetrators even when their daughters were victims. A common approach among them was the belief that God will not allow such to happen to any of their daughters and those whose daughters had fallen victims should accept it as their fate. Some of the mothers considered sex education as beneficial but should be introduced into school curriculum with caution. Hence, there is a need to educate mothers on positive preventive measures and therapies for victims of child sexual abuse especially the girl child as the absence of empowering and protecting the girl child would have negative effects on their sexual health