Experience of Forced Sex Among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in Ghana: An Assessment of Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, 2022

Abstract

Background: Forced sex is a critical public health issue in Ghana, affecting women disproportionately, especially those in their reproductive years. Despite legal efforts to combat gender-based violence, cultural norms and stigma continue to hinder reporting and access to support services. The general objective of this study was to analyze the dynamics of forced sex experience among women of reproductive age in Ghana. Method: This was a descriptive study conducted with secondary data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (2022). STATA 18.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data retrieved. The study analyzed the experiences of forced sex among women aged 15-49 in Ghana, using data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2022. Results: The study revealed critical insights into forced sexual experiences among women in Ghana. Specifically, 20.2% of respondents reported being physically forced into unwanted sex by their husbands or partners, while 7.2% experienced coercion into unwanted sexual acts by the same. Additionally, 9% of the women were forced to have sex by someone other than their husbands or partners within the last 12 months. Age played a significant role, with 55.6% of respondents experiencing their first forced sex by their husbands or partners between the ages of 15-21 years. A significant portion of respondents (49%) reported that their first experience of forced sex occurred between the ages of 11-16. Strangers were the largest group of perpetrators, accounting for 26.5%. In terms of help-seeking behavior, the study found that a substantial majority (72%) of victims did not inform anyone about their experiences, largely due to societal pressures and stigmatization. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted public health interventions and policy reforms to protect women from forced sexual encounters and provide accessible support for victims. Addressing both individual and societal factors is essential for reducing the incidence of forced sex and aiding victims in their recovery.