CHAPTER ONE

                                                       GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Rape can be viewed as an involuntary Sexual activity involving the use of coercion and the absence of consent. It may also be defined as a type of sexual assault, performed against a victim by the perpetrator without their permission. Rape, as a type of sexual assault is typically understood as a sexual act coerced or non-consensual regardless of the sexual orientation, gender identity of the abuser or the victims.  Sexuality problems are one of the most important aspects of human life and are directly linked to an individual's physical as well as psychosocial well-being. Psychologists have long assumed that boys and girls reach sexual maturity by the end of puberty and physical maturity at an early point. According to the UN Education Scientific and Cultural Organization-UNESCO (1978) one of the basic human rights is the right to safety from adverse effects, violence and exploitation.