Psycho-Social Issues and Management of A Rape Victim

Abstract

Rape is considered as a heinous crime. In India, it is the fourth most common crime against girls and women. Females suffer a
lot in the form of a double edged sword as at one end many rapes are still not reported in India. Section 375 of the Indian Penal
Code (IPC) made punishable the act of sex by a man with a woman if it is done against her will or without her consent. The
act of sex is also considered as a rape when it is done with her consent by putting her or any person in whom she is interested
in fear of death or of hurt. It is also considered in the category of rape when it is done (with or without her consent) with
minor girls. Rape is increasingly gaining visibility as a major public health concern. Across India, fear of rape is a constant
companion as women may have to confront it at each and every corner, road and public place at any hour. By keeping this
view into consideration, the present paper focuses over socio-psychological issues and the management of rape victims. It is
purely based on secondary data. It was found that there are many issues like women clothes, women status in society, lack of
public safety, psychological ill etc. are blamed for the rape in India. Besides, most of the rape victims reported that they face
stigma, disgrace and suffer serious guilt-pangs if they register for protest.