Assertive Skills as Antidote Against Sexual Assault Among Adolescents in Nigeria

Abstract

Sexual assault is a severely traumatic experience that disproportionally affects women and girls. Adolescents should acquire assertiveness skills against sexual assaults. They may appropriately employ assertiveness instead of passivity when attempting to make their own wishes known and honoured. Low self-esteem predisposes them to victimization, teaching assertive skills helps to prevent sexual assault if the potential victim feels he/she can stand up for his/her rights. Health practitioners need to provide assertiveness skills and training to adolescents in both individual and group settings. Assertiveness displayed could prevent escalation of the issue and promote peaceful co-existence in the neighbourhood between families of the potential assailants and potential victims. It is therefore suggested that health education should be further strengthened in schools all over Nigeria. Assertiveness skills should be taught to adolescents in all settings. Sexual Harassment Act 2016 should also be applicable to students to forestall potential assailants and help adolescents to be safe from sexual assault.