Abstract: This study focused on investigating the psychosocial effects experienced by rape victims in Ramadhani Ward, a perilous area for such incidents in Njombe Town Council, Tanzania. Recent records from 2021/2022 emphasized the prevalence of rape cases in this ward. The study pursued three main objectives: understanding the circumstances leading to child rape in Ramadhani Ward, examining the psychological and social impacts on the children, and identifying interventions to mitigate these effects. The research employed a descriptive survey research design and targeted a total population of 15, utilizing purposive sampling to select a sample of 10 raped children and 5 respondents from the police and trauma counsellors. Self-structured interviews were used to collect primary data, which was then analysed using descriptive statistics and SPSS for quantitative aspects. Themes were identified to organize the qualitative data. The findings highlighted that children under eighteen years of age, particularly girls in primary school, were the primary targets of rape. Trauma was identified as the predominant psychosocial impact, accompanied by embarrassment and despair. The study recommended enhanced training in trauma counselling for staff in gender-based violence units, counselling sessions for rape victims, and community awareness campaigns against rape. It also called for further research to understand the motivations and root causes of the perpetrators' actions.
Keywords: Psychological; Rape; Trauma; Tanzania.
Title: PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF VICTIMS OF RAPE IN NJOMBE TOWN COUNCIL: A CASE OF RAMADHANI WARD
Author: William Njohole, Dr. Eunice Ndomondo, Dr. Salvatory Mhando
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 11, Issue 4, October 2023 - December 2023
Page No: 171-178
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 30-October-2023
