Abstract

This study examines age at first sexual experience, motivation for sex and attempt conceptualization of sexual violence in the understanding of young rural women in Nigeria. The study was carried out among the Igalas, the ninth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative research method to obtain data. A sample of 1200 women between age 15 – 30 years were randomly selected from Olamoboro, Dekina, Idah, Ankpa, Ofu and Igalamela council areas, identified on the basis of systematic random sampling. 200 respondents were selected from two rural communities in each of the local council to respond to a structured questionnaire which contains both open and closed ended questions on issues bordering on sexual violence. Data were collected, collated and analysed with the use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences in simple percentage and hypotheses tested with the use of chi square technique. Findings showed that the mean age at first sex has reduced to 15.5 years, young rural women enter into sexual activities for economic and financial benefits and sexual violence was generally conceived as sexual intercourse that is not in the interest of at least one of the parties and in action detrimental to the socio-psychological and physical well being of any of the actors among others.

Key words: Violence, sexuality, rape, rural, psychological, physiological.