In most African societies, sexually assaulted people are often accused of complicity in acts perpetrated against them. Consequently, they keep silent to avoid social rejection, forced marriage with their abuser, incarceration, further abuse, or even murder. The general attitude of the community is likely to affect the victim's approach to seek care as well as their relationship with health services.
This is why it's important to understand the perception of the general community about gender-based violence, in order to provide culturally-specific education that will allow for communities to promote empathy-based and appropriate approaches to support victims of sexual violence.
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