THE CULTURE OF SILENCE AND THE PRACTICE OF SEX FOR GRADES IN A TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN DELTA STATE

Abstract

Sex for grades a global health concern growing at an alarming rate. It involves asking for sex in exchange for high grades usually without getting the consent of the victims by perpetrators. Perpetrators are usually allowed to go scot free; victims are forced to be quiet as if nothing happened in what is called culture of silence, while the victims suffer several traumatic experiences. This study seeks to find out some of the factors that promote sex for grades, the outcome of sex for grades, forms of sex for grades, possible solutions and the influence age has on outcomes of sex for grades. The study utilized a population of 392, with a sample of 196 made up 50 males and 146 females all of which are in final year, selected using the systematic sampling technique. The questionnaires was the instrument for collecting the needed data. The study revealed that increased absenteeism (84.1%), transmission of sexually transmitted infections (91.8%) are some of the outcomes of sex for grades while inappropriate touching of body parts (56.6%) scored high for form of sex for grades. Also, age had no influences on form of sex for grades. Recommendations made included; the need to strengthen disciplinary committees and expose perpetrators to curb the penance among others.