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SEXUALVIOLENCE IN INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS CAMPS (IDP): MITIGATING THE EFFECT ON WOMEN IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA

This study investigated sexual violence and strategies for mitigating its effects on women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Northeast Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and was carried out in IDP camps across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, which host approximately 2,200,000 displaced persons (Borno – 1,600,000; Adamawa – 350,000; Yobe – 250,000). The population consisted of adult women aged 18 years and above residing in officially recognized IDP camps. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed: first, three IDP camps were purposively selected from each state, and then 30 women were randomly chosen from each camp, resulting in a sample size of 270 respondents. In addition, 10 key informants (camp officials, healthcare providers, and NGO staff) were purposively selected for interviews. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews, validated by three experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.82. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that sexual violence is highly prevalent in the camps, with armed groups, camp security personnel, male IDPs, and local militias identified as the main perpetrators. Survivors suffer multiple consequences, including sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, trauma, stigma, spousal abandonment, and loss of livelihood. The study concluded that weak law enforcement and inadequate survivor-centered services enable sexual violence to persist. It recommended stronger legal enforcement and accountability, improved protection and support services, and the implementation of livelihood and awareness programs to reduce vulnerability and stigma