ABSTRACT

The mass media plays vital roles in informing the public on relevant issues like sexual assault in the society. This study investigated the coverage of sexual assault stories in two Nigerian Dailies – The Punch and The Guardian newspapers, 2015. A sample size of 412 editions was drawn using the simple random sampling technique. A total of 59 reports were found in the 412 editions analyzed. Rape was revealed as the most prominent form of sexual assault reported in the selected Nigerian newspapers. The Punch had 92% of its stories on rape while The Guardian had 8%. Based on the findings; it is recommended that more prominence be accorded sexual assault stories by Nigerian newspapers to increase the awareness level of the various adverse effects of the issue on individuals and the society at large.

Key words: Newspaper Coverage, Sexual Assault

Word Count: 134

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page i

Dedication ii

Acknowledgment                                                                                                                 iii  

Abstract iii-iv

Certification v

Table of content vi-viii

List of Tablesix

List of Appendicesx

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study1-2

1.2 Statement of the Problem2-4

1.3 Objectives of the Study4

1.4 Research Questions4-5

1.5 Significance of the Study5

1.6 Scope of the Study5-6

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms6-7

CHAPTER TWO: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND REVIEW OF RELEVANT LITERATURE

2.0 Introduction8

2.1 Theoretical Framework8

2.1.1 Social Responsibility Theory8-10

2.1.1.1 Relevance of Social Responsibility Theory10-11

2.1.2Agenda Setting Theory11-13

2.1.2.1 Relevance of Agenda Setting theory 13

2.2 Review of Relevant Literature13

2.2.1 Sexual Assault                                                13-15

2.2.2 Types of Sexual Assault16-20

2.2.3Victims21

2.2.4   Perpetrators                                                                                                                 22-23

2.2.5 Effects of Sexual Assault on Victims23-24

2.2.6Sexual Assault Laws in Nigeria24-25

2.2.7Newspaper Coverage25-29

2.2.8Sexual Assault and the Media29-30

2.3 Review of Related Empirical Studies30-38

2.4 Summary38

CHAPTER THREE:  RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction39

3.1 Research Design39

3.2 Population of the Study40

3.3 Sample Size40-41

3.4 Sampling Technique41

3.5 Instrument of Data Collection41-43

3.6 Reliability of Research Instrument44

3.7 Validity of Research Instrument44

3.8 Administration of Research Instrument44

3.9 Method of Data Analysis45

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.0 Introduction 46

4.1 Data Presentation and Analysis 46

4.1.1 Research Question One47

4.1.2 Research Question Two