Normalization of abuse and barriers to reporting among adolescents and young people in settings of displacement in Nigeria

Bibliographic Data

ID19536822
AuthorsAbuo James (University of Calabar, corresponding author), Precious Chidozie Azubuike (0000-0002-6161-1548, University of Calabar), Chimankpam Kingsley Ogbonna (University of Calabar), Temidayo Akinreni (0000-0002-6621-8200, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust), Uchenna Frank Imo (0000-0003-4865-4989, University of Calabar), Prosper Ayenmo Kanu (0000-0002-7640-7240, University of Calabar), Gina Marie Piane (San Diego Community College District), Antor O Ndep (0000-0002-3273-8195, University of Calabar)
Year2026
Volume20
Issue1
Publication date2026-06-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueConflict and Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1752-1505 • E-ISSN: 1752-1505
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1186/s13031-026-00814-0
PMID42260543
OpenAlexW7163924432
LanguageEN
References cited50

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by physical, psychological, and cognitive growth, increasing autonomy, social exploration, and risk-taking behaviors. However, these natural transitions in displacement settings are overshadowed by heightened vulnerabilities such as gender-based violence. In many displacement settings, recurrent exposure to violence leads to its acceptance as an unavoidable part of daily life. Sometimes, violence is normalized, leading to further exacerbation of the crisis. Our study explored the in-depth experiences and normalization of abuse and existing barriers to reporting within the internally displaced persons settlement in Cross River State, Nigeria. METHODS: Our qualitative study included adolescents and young people aged 15-24 years residing in the Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons camp within the Bakassi Local Government Area. Participants were selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected through 12 individual interviews and 3 focus group discussions. Data were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 14 to identify key themes. RESULTS: Findings from the study reveal participants' experiences with sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and gender-based violence, as well as their perceptions of abuse and how it is normalized. Contextual factors such as self-blame, societal pressure to accept advances from men, and limited accountability contribute to heightened vulnerability within the camps, which result in emotional and psychological impacts. Barriers to reporting and seeking help included fear of repercussions, lack of trust in authorities or services, and stigma associated with victimhood. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that normalization of abuse, alongside systemic barriers such as fear of repercussions, stigma, and limited trust in authorities, significantly constrains reporting and help-seeking behaviors. Furthermore, our study identifies weak and largely absent accountability mechanisms as a key structural factor enabling continued abuse. To enhance accountability and safeguard vulnerable populations, appropriate legal penalties and enforcement measures should be applied to all forms of abuse. Additionally, future interventions should also address the underlying vulnerabilities that predispose individuals to abuse, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to prevention and protection

Biostatistics · Displacement (psychology) · Health services research · Normalization (sociology) · Poison control · Public health · Child Abuse and Trauma · Epidemiology · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Migration, Health and Trauma