Sexual Violence at Music Festivals and the 'Theory of Silence': Unravelling the 'Hideous' Sexual Assault Problem in Nigerian Open-air Musical Events. Issue 1 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aborisade, Richard A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of victimology and victim justice. Volume 4:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Culture of silence -- female victims -- music festivals -- sexual violence; Victims of crimes -- Periodicals; Criminals -- Periodicals; 364
• DOI: 10.1177/25166069211031136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2516-6069

Abstract

This study confronts the prevailing culture of silence that trails sexual victimization in Nigeria to explore the scale of the problem of sexual violence at open-air music festivals. In-depth interviews involving 47 female attendees of musical concerts, who had experienced different forms of sexual violence, were conducted. Findings revealed high severity of sexual assault, low reportage, and strong influence of rape myth acceptance. Refusal to report sexual victimization is informed by the fear of isolation, stigmatization, self-blame and low confidence in the police. Cultural-shift that will change negative social perception towards rape survivors and women attending music festivals is suggested.