The Determinants of Rape in Puntland

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of rape in Puntland. Quantitative and qualitative research designs were both used in this study. The study was guided by three objectives, which included a) to explore the major causes of rape in Puntland, b) to assess the effect of rape on victims, and c) to examine the possible solutions to rape in Puntland. A literature review, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a standardised questionnaire were used in data collection. The study contacted 60 respondents who consisted of rape victims, elders, gender-based violence workers, elders, government officials, and protection experts; the data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Significant demographic characteristics of the research respondents indicate that 55% were male and 45 were female. Of the sixty responders, 32% were between the ages of twenty-one and thirty; 42% were between the ages of thirty and forty; 18% were between the ages of forty and fifty; 3% were between the ages of fifty and sixty and 5% were older than sixty. The study identified a number of factors responsible for rape cases in Puntland, including lack of law enforcement, drug and alcohol usage, social acceptance of rape, and low levels of education. The study recommends that the enforcement of laws is a major factor in eliminating rape cases well as a motivating factor in the increase of rape cases in Puntland