PREVALENCE AND EFFECTS OF CHILD ABUSE AMONG NOMADS IN TORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAUCHI STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence and effects of child abuse among nomads in Toro local government area of Bauchi state, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were: to examine the prevalence rate of child abuse among nomads in Toro local government area of Bauchi State; to identify the factors influencing the prevalence of child abuse among nomads in Toro local government area of Bauchi State; to examine the effect of child abuse among nomads in Toro local government area of Bauchi State; and to examine opinion of the nomads on strategies for addressing child abuse and challenges in Toro local government area of Bauchi State. Four research questions guided the study. The study was premised on one unique theory as its theoretical framework. This is: Behavioural theory propounded by John in 1913. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The study population were adult residents in Toro local government area of Bauchi State. Specifically, the number that constituted the population of the study was 254,659. The study had a sample of three hundred and eighty-four (384) respondents served as the sample size for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire with reliability index of 0.76 on Likert Scale. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts and percentage. The findings of the study were among others that the prevalence rate of child abuse among nomads in Toro local government area of Bauchi State was high especially with regards to sex abuse, child neglect, psychological and emotional abuse, physical abuse and child labour. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that there is high rate of child abuse among the nomadic residents in Toro local government area of Bauchi state caused by a number of factors and having several negative effects on the abused children but can be addressed through mobilization and sensitization implementing of laws and policies and providing support services. The study recommended among others that Government and non-governmental organizations should intensify efforts and providing supports and implementing laws to curtail the prevalence rate of child abuse among nomads in Toro local government area of Bauchi State.