LOW AWARENESS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE REPORTING CHANNELS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY GASHUA

Abstract

Sexual violence remains a persistent challenge in higher education globally, with serious psychological, academic, and social consequences. In Nigeria, many incidents go unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and limited awareness of reporting mechanisms. This study examined awareness of sexual violence reporting mechanisms among students of the Federal University Gashua, Northeast Nigeria. The study is grounded in Routine Activity Theory, which conceptualises student awareness as a form of capable guardianship, and Institutional Theory, which examines the decoupling of formal university policies from actual student experiences. A mixed-method design was employed, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative responses collected electronically using KoboCollect. Undergraduate students were selected through voluntary sampling. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used for data analysis. Findings indicate extremely low awareness of reporting mechanisms. Less than 1% of respondents reported knowledge of any hotline or formal reporting channel, while 99.2% were unaware. Respondents who indicated awareness could not provide specific details. This suggests significant institutional communication gaps and limited access to support systems. Strengthening awareness and accessibility of reporting mechanisms is critical. Universities should integrate digital reporting platforms and confidential hotlines with sustained sensitisation strategies to improve reporting, institutional response, and student safety.