Girl’s experiences of sexual violence in Nigerian internally displaced peoples’ camps

The occurrence and severity of violence in Northern Nigeria, together with the ensuing humanitarian crises where several communities had to flee their homes, led to the construction of several refugee camps. Although these camps provide short-term housing for vulnerable displaced populations, particularly women and children, they are also fertile ground for gender-based violence, particularly sexual violence. Studies on the experiences of the female gender concerning sexual-based violence in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in countries in Sub-Sahara Africa are sparse and underreported. This study explored the incidences of and impact of sexual violence on girls’ sense of belonging and social well-being (females aged 10–19) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja Nigeria, as well as the strategies for curbing this violence. The study utilised the qualitative research design. Nine (9) young girls, and two (2) IDP stakeholders, were chosen for the study using both purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Focus groups and interviews were the main data collection strategies and thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. The findings revealed that girls in IDPs are exposed to several sexual violence incidents. It was established that sexual violence harms women and girls’ sense of belonging and social well-being. Strategies for its prevention and amelioration are suggested to lessen the burden of sexual violence in these camps. These findings have implications for feminist theories and practices. The study recommends both government and non-governmental measures for improved lived experiences of girls and women in IDP camps.