Breaking the code of silence: Sexual violence and campus culture at Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly University, Burkina Faso

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Résumé

Introduction: Gray literature on gender-based violence (GBV) in universities
shows that female students are the most vulnerable group. In our context, this
study examines the forms of GBV and the profiles of perpetrators at Daniel
Ouezzin Coulibaly University.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was adopted. The questionnaire survey
involved 300 students, and interview guides were administered to 23 participants
(students, lecturers, and administrative staff).
Results: Findings indicate that 92.7% of students are familiar with the
concept of GBV. Among female students, 45.86% report physical violence,
44.17% psychological or emotional abuse, and 9.97% cultural violence. Sexual
harassment through inappropriate touching is a major concern, affecting 30%
of respondents. Perpetrators include students (38.46%), lecturers (27.44%),
administrative staff (26.92%), and classmates (7.18%).
Discussion/conclusion: These results highlight the high prevalence of
GBV in higher education institutions and the urgent need for targeted
interventions, including institutional policies, improved infrastructure, and
tailored prevention programmes.

Mots-clés

gender-based violence, perpetrators and forms of violence, female students, university safety, Burkina Faso