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THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND ACQUAINTANCE RAPE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Alcohol consumption and acquaintance rape represent two intertwined yet distinct phenomena prevalent within tertiary institutions, posing significant challenges to campus safety and student well-being. Alcohol, a ubiquitous presence in social settings on college campuses, has been implicated as a contributing factor in many instances of sexual assault, particularly those involving acquaintances or individuals who have just met. Acquaintance rape, also known as date rape, refers to sexual assault perpetrated by someone known to the victim, such as a friend, classmate, or romantic partner, rather than a stranger. This form of sexual violence often occurs within the context of social interactions, including parties, gatherings, or dates, where alcohol consumption may be common.

Understanding the complex interplay between alcohol consumption and acquaintance rape is vital for addressing and mitigating the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses. Despite efforts to raise awareness and implement preventive measures, instances of sexual violence continue to persist within tertiary institutions. By examining the effects of alcohol consumption on the perpetration and perception of acquaintance rape, this study aims to shed light on the underlying dynamics and inform targeted interventions to promote a safer campus environment for all students.

Sexual assault of adolescent and adult women has been called a silent epidemic, because it occurs at high rates yet is rarely reported to the authorities (Koss 1988). Several reasons contribute to the underreporting of sexual assault cases. Many victims do not tell others about the assault, because they fear that they will not be believed or will be derogated, which, according to research findings, is a valid concern (Abbey et al. 1996b). Other victims may not realize that they have actually experienced legally defined rape or sexual assault, because the incident does not fit the prototypic scenario of “stranger rape.” For example, in a study by, a woman wrote, “For years I believed it was my fault for being too drunk. I never called it ‘rape’ until much more recently, even though I repeatedly told him ‘no’.”

The prevalence of sexual assault, both involving and not involving alcohol use, cannot be accurately determined, because it is usually unreported. Estimates of sexual assault prevalence have been based on a variety of sources, including police reports, national random samples of crime victims, interviews with incarcerated rapists, interviews with victims who seek hospital treatment, general population surveys of women, and surveys of male and female college students. In such studies, the estimates’ adequacy varies with the sources of information used. Most researchers agree that the most reliable estimates derive from studies using multi-item scales that is, measures containing several questions describing behaviors which constitute sexual assault in simple, non legal language (Koss 1988).

Based on such measures, conservative estimates suggest that at least 25 percent of American women have been sexually assaulted in adolescence or adulthood and that 18 percent have been raped. Furthermore, at least 20 percent of American men report having perpetrated sexual assault and 5 percent report having committed rape . Due to their accessibility, college student surveys tend to employ the most thorough measures of sexual assault by including the largest number of behaviorally specific questions. These studies suggest that approximately 50 percent of college women have been sexually assaulted, and 27 percent have experienced rape or attempted rape; in contrast, 25 percent of college men have committed sexual assault, and 8 percent have committed rape or attempted rape.

At least one-half of all violent crimes involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, the victim, or both (Collins and Messerschmidt 1993). Sexual assault fits this pattern. Thus, across the disparate populations studied, researchers consistently have found that approximately one-half of all sexual assaults are committed by men who have been drinking alcohol. Depending on the sample studied and the measures used, the estimates for alcohol use among perpetrators have ranged from 34 to 74 percent. Similarly, approximately one-half of all sexual assault victims report that they were drinking alcohol at the time of the assault, with estimates ranging from 30 to 79 percent. It is important to emphasize, however, that although a woman’s alcohol consumption may place her at increased risk of sexual assault, she is in no way responsible for the assault. The perpetrators are legally and morally responsible for their behavior.

Finally, alcohol consumption by perpetrators and victims tends to co-occur that is, when one of them is drinking, the other one is generally drinking as well. Rarely is only the victim drinking alcohol. This finding is not surprising, because in social situations (e.g., in bars or at parties), drinking tends to be a shared activity. However, this finding complicates researchers’ efforts to disentangle the unique effects of alcohol consumption on the perpetrators’ versus the victims’ behavior.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The problem under scrutiny is the intricate connection between alcohol consumption and acquaintance rape, along with its ramifications in tertiary institutions and society as a whole. Alcohol's impact extends beyond mere tension reduction, often leading to the complete suppression of inhibitions. This can result in altered behavior, such as increased boldness or aggressiveness, especially in social settings conducive to sexual activity, where the risk of rape is heightened. Acquaintance rape, often perpetrated by individuals known to the victim, is prevalent on college campuses, with alcohol frequently implicated in such incidents. Despite this correlation, the relationship remains understudied. Moreover, the persistence of rape myths exacerbates the issue, as it desensitizes individuals to sexual victimization and undermines prevention efforts. The profound societal implications, ranging from increased crime rates to educational and economic consequences, underscore the urgency of investigating and addressing this multifaceted problem. 

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to determine the effects of alcohol consumption and acquaintance rape in tertiary institutions

Specific objectives include;

1. To examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and the incidence of acquaintance rape among students in tertiary institutions.

2. To explore the potential moderating effects of situational factors, such as social settings, on the association between alcohol consumption and acquaintance rape.

3. To assess the effectiveness of preventive measures, including educational programs and campus policies, in mitigating the risk of acquaintance rape associated with alcohol consumption in tertiary institutions.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. How does alcohol consumption correlate with the likelihood of experiencing or perpetrating acquaintance rape among students in tertiary institutions?

2. What situational factors influence the relationship between alcohol consumption and the occurrence of acquaintance rape on college campuses?

3. What strategies are effective in reducing the occurrence of acquaintance rape linked to alcohol consumption among students in tertiary institutions?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

H₁: Increased alcohol consumption among students in tertiary institutions is positively associated with a higher incidence of acquaintance rape.

H₂: Situational factors, such as peer influence and party settings, moderate the relationship between alcohol consumption and the likelihood of experiencing or perpetrating acquaintance rape.

H₃: Educational programs and campus policies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and promoting bystander intervention effectively mitigate the risk of acquaintance rape in tertiary institutions. 

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study holds significance in shedding light on the intertwined dynamics of alcohol consumption and acquaintance rape within tertiary institutions. By delving into the prevalence, underlying factors, experiences, and consequences of rape, it equips students with a deeper understanding of this pressing issue. Through thorough documentation of alcohol-related challenges among tertiary students and exploration of the nexus between alcohol and rape, the study aims to empower individuals to make informed choices and mitigate harm. Prevention strategies outlined in the study seek to promote clear communication of sexual intentions, fostering mutual understanding and reducing the risk of misinterpretation. The insights garnered from this research are invaluable not only for current discourse but also for informing future studies and policymaking efforts. Ultimately, it is hoped that this knowledge will contribute to improved conviction rates for rapists and guide the direction of future research endeavors.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on women victims and male perpetrators, given that women represent nearly all reported rape victims. It specifically targets tertiary institution students, as they are at heightened risk for both alcohol consumption and rape, mirroring the age demographics of most victims and offenders. Women aged 16 to 24 face the highest victimization rates, with those aged 16 to 19 experiencing a peak in victimization. According to previous research, individuals under 25 account for 45% of all alleged rapists arrested, with approximately one third of this age group enrolled in school, aligning with the demographic of tertiary institution students. Due to logistical constraints, the study is confined to the College of Education-Ekiadolor. 

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

One limitation of studying the effects of alcohol consumption and acquaintance rape in tertiary institutions is the potential for underreporting due to social stigma or fear of consequences. Additionally, the study may face challenges in establishing causality, as other factors could contribute to both alcohol consumption and acquaintance rape. Sample bias might also occur if certain groups are overrepresented or underrepresented in the study population. Lastly, the generalizability of findings might be limited due to variations in cultural norms and institutional policies across different regions or countries.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Alcohol consumption: The act of ingesting beverages containing ethanol, typically for recreational or social purposes, leading to various physiological and psychological effects on the consumer.

2. Acquaintance rape: A form of sexual assault or rape where the perpetrator is known to the victim, such as a friend, acquaintance, or someone familiar from the same social circle or community.

3. Tertiary institutions: Higher education institutions beyond secondary or high school level, including universities, colleges, and vocational schools, where students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees.

4. Effects: The consequences or outcomes resulting from a particular action or phenomenon, which can be both positive and negative, impacting individuals, groups, or communities.

5. Substance abuse: The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, drugs, and other substances, leading to physical, psychological, or social harm to the user or others.

6. Sexual violence: Any form of unwanted sexual activity or behavior, including rape, molestation, harassment, or coercion, perpetrated against an individual without their consent.

7. Campus culture: The social norms, attitudes, behaviors, and practices prevalent within a college or university community, influencing the interactions and experiences of students, faculty, and staff members.

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