Violence against Women: Threat to Rural Development in Cross River State Southern Senatorial District, Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigated the impact of violence against women on rural development in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria. The research focused on analysing the impact of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, human trafficking, and rural development in the Cross River State Southern Senatorial District, Nigeria. The study used a cross-sectional survey research approach. Data were collected from a sample of 384 respondents using a standardized questionnaire. The data gathered were examined using Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis. The research results have shown that domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, and human trafficking have a substantial impact on rural development in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria. Consequently, the research asserts that violence against women has a substantial impact on rural development in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria. The research suggests that NGOs and civil society organizations should carry out awareness campaigns and educational programs in rural regions to alter attitudes and behaviours that tolerate or normalize domestic abuse. These programs should aim to educate both males and females about the legal, social, and health ramifications of domestic abuse and advocate for gender parity.

Keywords: community development, gender, rural, threat, poverty, violence, women, rehabilitation, Nigeria