AN ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON THE IMPLICATION OF RAPE IN INDIA.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

A complex and diverse problem is the public perception of the effects of rape in India. Although attitudes and ideas about rape in India have changed over time, numerous obstacles and myths still exist. It's crucial to keep in mind that India is a large and diverse nation, and public opinion can range significantly among various regions, communities, and demographics.The World Health Organization (WHO) defines rape as a form of sexual assault, while the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDCP) include rape in their definition of sexual assault; they see rape, as a form of sexual violence. (G. & et al., 2022)

In the same context, Anderson (2016), states that rape is a direct threat to the society; and it is spreading like a disease. It affects children and women badly as causes damage to their emotional, psychological, cognitive, and physical development. Also, Briere, J. & Jordan, C.E. (2017) asserts that rape can leave a deep scar of the minds of children and can destroy their whole personality. Rape has not only cause damages on children and women but also on the society as a whole. The increase of rape rate in the society has very evident linkages with increased drug abuse.  Additionally, rape  can be clearly seen as a crime not only to the victims but the entire society as it traumatizes and overwhelmed the victim with great psychological pains and other likely venereal infections like STD. This could lead to fear, panic, nightmares on the victims (Barbaree, 2021).  Similarly, for clarity, rape is seen as a common phenomenon against the female gender, as they are the most vulnerable. It should be noted here without any reservation that rape is an assault and a criminal offence because if not properly counseled such a victim might be mentally down. In mixed method research, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported sexual violence as a significant factor of poor mental health status in women across countries including India. Rape affects more than 50% of women across the globe and has a significant impact on their health. However, previous quantitative studies established a positive relationship between rape and ill mental health, but there is a limited qualitative study to explore the situation in how women face it, and how it is linked to the mental disorders. Far too little has explored on issues connected to the ‘sensitive issues’ like sexual violence against women in a developing country like India, a country deeply embedded in patriarchal values.

Subsequently, in research conducted by Kamal (2019), he discovered that two-thirds of women who were the victims of rape in the study area did not tell anybody about the sexual violence. However, the lack of sharing may result in the worst situation. Similarly, women who were physically abused by their partners were more likely to be emotionally abused, and vice versa. Sexual violence between partners included forced intercourse and other forms of sexual coercion (Jewkes, Vundule, Maforah, & Jordan, 2017).

People attempt to normalize, excuse, accept, or even condone rape in Indian society. Cultural norms and values play a significant role in shaping how rape is perceived (Jordan, 2017). In some cultures, there may be greater stigma and shame associated with discussing or reporting sexual violence, which can deter survivors from coming forward. However, according to Miller (2021), communities still have a tendency to blame survivors for the violence they experience. This victim-blaming can manifest as questions about what the survivor was wearing, their behavior, or their previous relationships. This perception has made it difficult for survivors to seek help and justice. Further more, public perceptions of sexual violence can vary significantly based on a variety of factors, including cultural, social, and educational influences. These perceptions can influence how rape is understood, discussed, and addressed within a community. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess  public perception on the implication of rape in India.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In recent years, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the need for change in societal attitudes and a more robust response to sexual violence in India. However, deeply ingrained cultural norms and challenges in the legal system continue to influence public perception and the implications of rape in the country. Efforts are ongoing to raise awareness, reform laws, and provide support to survivors in order to address these issues. Additionally, the problem of rape is a deeply concerning and pervasive issue in India, and it continues to pose significant challenges in many societies. While progress has been made in raising awareness, reforming laws, and supporting survivors, several critical issues still persist. Further more, the rise of technology and the internet has given rise to new forms of sexual harassment and exploitation, including cyberbully and online harassment. These issues often go unaddressed, leading to significant psychological and emotional harm to. However, it is in the light of these that the study seeks assess public perception on the implication of rape in India.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to  assess  public perception on the implication of rape in India. Specifically, the study will;

1.        assess public perception on the prevalence of rape in India.

2.        Assess  public perception towards the causes of rape in India.

3.        Assess public perception towards the health and psychological implication of rape victims in India..

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

1.                  What is the public perception on the prevalence of rape in India?

2.                  What is the public perception towards the causes of rape in India?

3.                  How do people in India perceive the health and psychological implications of rape victims?

1.5  Significant of the Study

An assessment of public perception on the implication of rape in India will be revealed to the government at various levels, women rights activists, NGOs, law enforcement agencies, women, media houses and  students in this study. Additionally, it will educate students and women on the causes of rape, assist NGOs in designing preventive measures and intervention strategies for rape victims.  Also, it will help the law enforcement agencies in identifying the gaps in the legal framework and areas where reforms are needed to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.  Furthermore, the media will be able to use the information to instruct the general public about the Sexual Offense Act of 2006, the harsh penalties for committing rape, and educate the public on risk factors and causes of rape and how to prevent sexual violence.

Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to an assessment of public perception on the implication of rape in India.

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on an assessment of public perception on the implication of rape in India. Theoretically, this study will  assess public perception on the prevalence of rape in India, assess  public perception towards the causes of rape in India and public perception towards the health and psychological implication of rape victims in India.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to women in Punjab, India.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents.

In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed.

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.8 Definition of Terms

Rape : unlawful sexual activity.

Rapist: a person who rapes someone.

Mental health:  is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with stress.

Perception: a way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.

Women:an adult or matured female human being.

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