Not again,not here! Rape survivors’ narratives of police-perpetrated sexual violence revictimization in the course of seeking justice

Abstract

Extensive research has shed light on the prevalence and patterns of sexual violence (SV) perpetrated by law enforcement officers who misuse their authority to target individuals. However, few studies focus specifically on the sexual revictimization of survivors by Nigerian law enforcement, particularly survivors who sought justice but faced further SV from the police. Therefore, following a phenomenological framework, this study presents the lived experiences of 11 rape survivors who suffered SV revictimization perpetrated by police officers in the course of reporting their victimization and case processing. Findings indicated that participants had a variety of perpetrator behaviours directed towards them, including unsolicited sexual advances, sexual extortion, intimidation and harassment before they were eventually subjected to rape and attempted rape by the officers. The sample identified lack of support systems, ignorance of legal procedures, low socio-economic status, inability to afford legal representation and inexperience with the police as contributors to police-perpetrated sexual victimization. The strengthening of policies to mandate independent oversight for the police and establishing secure, anonymous and non-police-affiliated channels for victims to report to police SV and other victims’ support are recommended.