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EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECT OF RAPE ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN INDIA
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
According to the UN Crime Trends Survey conducted in 2010, India ranked third worldwide for reported rape incidents, following the United States and Brazil (Dilip & Bates, 2021). In 2010, India was also third among the top ten nations for reported rape cases and second for reported murders in 2012. The prevalence of rape in India has drawn significant media attention, with frequent reports emerging. However, it’s often argued that these instances of rape are just one aspect of a broader issue: women in India face numerous forms of victimization, starting from a young age and continuing throughout their lives. These include female feticide, inadequate nutrition, human trafficking, and the practice of widow burning, among others. A preliminary examination of global events and trends suggests that criminal activities and offenses are worsening worldwide. One such crime is the sexual abuse committed by men against women, specifically through non-consensual and coercive sexual acts. In recent years, India has experienced a persistent occurrence of rape cases, particularly gang rapes, targeting vulnerable women and girls. This distressing situation has reached chronic and alarming levels, as noted by Obasi and Onagoruwa (2019).
In Nigeria, a similar disturbing pattern exists, with frequent accounts and narratives in the media detailing cases of girls and women facing sexual molestation, abuse, and rape. These acts, committed without remorse, inflict severe physical and psychological trauma on the victims. Despite legislation aimed at curbing such crimes, providing prompt remedies remains challenging. This cruel deed knows no age, transcending considerations of tribe, color, or class. Despite the high number of rape victims in India, compiling a comprehensive list of those affected by this pervasive issue is challenging. The inaccuracy of statistics on rape cases is mainly due to underreporting, driven by fear of social shame and inadequate follow-up investigations by law enforcement agencies. The Indian media has reported numerous instances of rape characterized by a lack of conscious thought or consideration. According to recent research by Kayode (2019) and a UNICEF study (2020), the United Kingdom has an estimated annual incidence of around 147,000 rapes, yet the number of convictions remains low, with just over a thousand. In India, there is a consistent pattern of a reported rape occurring approximately every 20 minutes, with a prosecution rate of less than 25%. In Lagos State, Nigeria, 78,079 incidents were reported, accounting for about 68% of documented rapes from 2019 to 2020 (Peters & Olowa, 2020; Caroline, 2019). The Mirabel Centre, an NGO, documented 170 incidents of rape from July 2019 to July 2020, and the police have reported a significant increase in such cases. Gang rape has emerged as the most prevalent type, topping the crime charts in 2020. This alarming trend has raised concerns among educational psychologists and guidance counselors. Despite implementing a new state of emergency and anti-rape laws in India, there is a troubling rise in rape and a culture of impunity, making it difficult for victims to hold perpetrators accountable. According to recent research by the United Nations Development Programme (2020), about one in four girls and women in India are likely to experience rape or sexual assault before 18. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2020) reports that over 20% of women experience rape or sexual assault in their lifetime, often by acquaintances. According to a World Health Organisation study (2019), around 85% of women globally experience some form of physical or sexual violence in their lives, with teenage girls particularly vulnerable to rape, attempted rape, or assault. Moreover, there has been a significant increase in rape cases within Indian culture, as highlighted by Agaba (2019), with the situation escalating at an alarming rate, as shown by Okunzua (2020). This trend has raised concerns among many individuals. According to Ifeacho (2019), some sexual assaults and rapes are either hidden or deliberately concealed by victims, parents, or relatives due to social stigma concerns, while the media reveals only a few cases.
The academic performance of learners is recognized as a catalyst for global social and economic growth (Kamuti, 2015). Using academic achievement as an indicator of school success dates back to the Victorian era. Educational achievement assessments have been used to evaluate educational institutions and determine individuals’ professional trajectories. According to Ogbudebe et al. (2018), “good” schools are those that effectively cultivate students’ abilities to meet established benchmarks. Students’ academic success is measured by assessing their achievements within their schools and nationally. The phenomenon of substandard academic achievement has been a persistent issue in education, prompting extensive scholarly investigation into the factors contributing to this occurrence. Moreover, the issue of rape can significantly impact victims’ academic performance, as they may be reluctant to return to school due to diminished self-esteem and social shame associated with the traumatic experience. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the effect of rape on students’ academic performance in India against this rising trend of rape incidents.
1.2 Statement of the problem
The worldwide prioritisation of increasing students’ access to education is hindered by many hurdles that provide substantial challenges to accomplishing this goal in schools (Caroline, 2019). Numerous variables may influence academic success among pupils. One significant issue that may be examined is the victimisation experienced by those who have been subjected to rape. There are many aspects that may be taken into consideration while examining poor academic performance in a classroom setting. This element may arise from several sources, including personal considerations, university-related factors, academic factors, and economic reasons. The impact of male students, male lecturers, and other staff members, as well as the surrounding environment, are key aspects in the context of universities [Okunzua, 2020]. The research findings indicated a negative correlation between those who have experienced sexual assault and their academic performance, as seen by lower grade point averages. Hence, the study investigate the effect of rape on students academic performance in India.
1.3 Objective of the study
The broad objective of the study is to examine the effect of rape on students academic performance in India. The specific objectives is as follows:
i. Ascertain the prevalence of rape among secondary schools in India
ii. Ascertain the factors associated with the incidence of raping of students in India
iii. Assess the effect of rape on students academic performance in India.
1.4 Research questions
The following questions have been prepared for the study
i. What is the prevalence of rape among secondary schools in India?
ii. What are the factors associated with the incidence of raping of students in India?
iii. What are the effect of rape on students academic performance in India?
1.5 Resrearch Hypotheses
The hypotheses have been formulated for the study
H0: The prevalence of rape among secondary schools students in India is low.
Ha: The prevalence of rape among secondary schools students in India is high.
1.6 Significance of the study
The findings of the study will be significant to the government school management and policy makers as they will be exposed to the havoc sexual violence has wrecked on both male and female thereby making laws that will combact the issue of sexual violence and also prosecute offender found guilty of sexual violence.
The findings of the study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.
1.7 Scope of the study
The study focuses on the effect of rape on students academic performance in India. Hence, the study will ascertain the prevalence of rape among secondary schools in India, ascertain the factors associated with the incidence of raping of students in India and assess the effect of rape on students academic performance in India.
1.8 Limitations of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.