Rape-A psychological disorder or a spontaneous crime?: Difference between revisions
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= '''RAPE – a psychological disorder or a spontaneous crime? ''' = | |||
'''RAPE – a psychological disorder or a spontaneous crime? ''' | |||
A sexual intercourse or sexual penetration which is done under through threat, forcing the victim, fearful intimidation and most importantly without consent. In most of the jurisdictions, it is considered rape only when the sexual penetration is committed. Rape could be of various types, such as by the situation in which it occurs, or by the characteristics or relationship of the victim to the perpetrator. It includes corrective, date, gang, marital, prison, revenge, statutory, war and rape by deception. | A sexual intercourse or sexual penetration which is done under through threat, forcing the victim, fearful intimidation and most importantly without consent. In most of the jurisdictions, it is considered rape only when the sexual penetration is committed. Rape could be of various types, such as by the situation in which it occurs, or by the characteristics or relationship of the victim to the perpetrator. It includes corrective, date, gang, marital, prison, revenge, statutory, war and rape by deception. | ||
Sexual conduct becomes a criminal act when the victim has not consented to it, either because the offender forces the victim to perform sexual acts against his or her will, or because the victim is incapable of giving consent. A person can be incapable of consenting for several reasons, including. Being below the age of consent, having a mental disability or mental illness, being incapacitated due to the use of drugs, alcohol, medication, or being physically helpless. | Sexual conduct becomes a criminal act when the victim has not consented to it, either because the offender forces the victim to perform sexual acts against his or her will, or because the victim is incapable of giving consent. A person can be incapable of consenting for several reasons, including. Being below the age of consent, having a mental disability or mental illness, being incapacitated due to the use of drugs, alcohol, medication, or being physically helpless.<ref>http://Rape - Definition, Examples, Cases, Processes (legaldictionary.net) legal dictionary</ref> | ||
= '''Psychological Impact on Victims''' = | |||
#Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviours, and flashbacks. PTSD affects a large number of survivors of sexual assault. The quality of life and everyday functioning might be seriously compromised by these symptoms. | |||
#Anxiety and despair: After being attacked, victims of rape frequently struggle with increased anxiety, fear, and despair. These emotions could be brought on by the actual tragedy as well as the strain of handling the fallout, such as court cases and social censure. | #Anxiety and despair: After being attacked, victims of rape frequently struggle with increased anxiety, fear, and despair. These emotions could be brought on by the actual tragedy as well as the strain of handling the fallout, such as court cases and social censure. | ||
#Guilt and Shame: Despite not being the cause of the assault, victims may feel guilty, ashamed, and responsible for their actions. Social attitudes that unjustly blame the victim instead of the offender might intensify these feelings. | |||
#Substance Abuse: In order to deal with the emotional suffering and anguish brought on by the attack, some survivors may turn to drugs or alcohol. Substance misuse can worsen mental health conditions and lead to new challenges in the life of the survivor. | |||
#Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours: The trauma of sexual assault can leave victims feeling helpless and depressed, which can result in suicidal thoughts or ideas of self-harm. To address these emotions and stop them from turning into behaviours, survivors must have access to mental health services and supporting resources.<ref>http://Psychological-Effects-of-Rape.pdf (eajournals.org) ea journals </ref> | |||
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<li>'''Creating Safe Environments:''' Designing public spaces, workplaces, and institutions to be safe and inclusive can help prevent rape and other forms of sexual violence. Measures such as adequate lighting, security cameras, and bystander intervention training can contribute to creating environments where sexual violence is less likely to occur.</li> | <li>'''Creating Safe Environments:''' Designing public spaces, workplaces, and institutions to be safe and inclusive can help prevent rape and other forms of sexual violence. Measures such as adequate lighting, security cameras, and bystander intervention training can contribute to creating environments where sexual violence is less likely to occur.</li> | ||
<li>'''Engaging Men and Boys:''' Engaging men and boys as allies in the prevention of rape and gender-based violence is crucial. Men and boys can play a key role in challenging harmful norms and behaviours, promoting positive masculinity, and advocating for gender equality.</li> | <li>'''Engaging Men and Boys:''' Engaging men and boys as allies in the prevention of rape and gender-based violence is crucial. Men and boys can play a key role in challenging harmful norms and behaviours, promoting positive masculinity, and advocating for gender equality.</li> | ||
<li>'''Policy and Advocacy:''' Advocating for policies and legislation that address the root causes of sexual violence, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, is essential for creating systemic change. This includes efforts to strengthen laws against sexual violence, allocate resources for prevention and support services, and promote accountability at all levels of society.</li> | <li>'''Policy and Advocacy:''' Advocating for policies and legislation that address the root causes of sexual violence, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, is essential for creating systemic change. This includes efforts to strengthen laws against sexual violence, allocate resources for prevention and support services, and promote accountability at all levels of society.<ref>http://Psychosocial interventions for survivors of rape and sexual assault experienced during adulthood - PMC (nih.gov) nih gov </ref></li> | ||
</ul> | </ul> | ||
== REFRENCES == | |||
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Revision as of 17:16, 17 June 2024
RAPE – a psychological disorder or a spontaneous crime?
A sexual intercourse or sexual penetration which is done under through threat, forcing the victim, fearful intimidation and most importantly without consent. In most of the jurisdictions, it is considered rape only when the sexual penetration is committed. Rape could be of various types, such as by the situation in which it occurs, or by the characteristics or relationship of the victim to the perpetrator. It includes corrective, date, gang, marital, prison, revenge, statutory, war and rape by deception.
Sexual conduct becomes a criminal act when the victim has not consented to it, either because the offender forces the victim to perform sexual acts against his or her will, or because the victim is incapable of giving consent. A person can be incapable of consenting for several reasons, including. Being below the age of consent, having a mental disability or mental illness, being incapacitated due to the use of drugs, alcohol, medication, or being physically helpless.[1]
Psychological Impact on Victims
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviours, and flashbacks. PTSD affects a large number of survivors of sexual assault. The quality of life and everyday functioning might be seriously compromised by these symptoms.
- Anxiety and despair: After being attacked, victims of rape frequently struggle with increased anxiety, fear, and despair. These emotions could be brought on by the actual tragedy as well as the strain of handling the fallout, such as court cases and social censure.
- Guilt and Shame: Despite not being the cause of the assault, victims may feel guilty, ashamed, and responsible for their actions. Social attitudes that unjustly blame the victim instead of the offender might intensify these feelings.
- Substance Abuse: In order to deal with the emotional suffering and anguish brought on by the attack, some survivors may turn to drugs or alcohol. Substance misuse can worsen mental health conditions and lead to new challenges in the life of the survivor.
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours: The trauma of sexual assault can leave victims feeling helpless and depressed, which can result in suicidal thoughts or ideas of self-harm. To address these emotions and stop them from turning into behaviours, survivors must have access to mental health services and supporting resources.[2]
Psychological Profile of Perpetrators
- Integration of Evidence: Psychological profilers gather all available evidence from the crime scene, including witness statements, physical evidence, autopsy reports, and photographs. Every detail is crucial, as it provides insights into the offender's behaviour, modus operandi, and possible motives.
- Forensic Research and Theory: Profilers draw upon a body of knowledge developed through research and interviews with criminals to inform their analysis. This includes understanding patterns of behaviour, psychological factors influencing criminal actions, and typologies of offenders.
- Victimology: Understanding the victim's background, relationship with the perpetrator , and circumstances surrounding the crime is essential. Victimology helps profilers determine why a particular victim was targeted and what this reveals about the offender's motivations and fantasies.
- Motivation and Fantasy: Profilers aim to uncover the underlying motives driving the crime, which often reveal important aspects of the offender's personality and psychological makeup. By analysing the crime scene and victimology, profilers can identify patterns of behaviour and fantasy that provide clues to the offender's identity and motives.
- Building the Profile: Based on the integration of evidence, forensic research, and psychological theory, profilers construct a profile of the likely perpetrator. This includes characteristics such as age, gender, occupation, personality traits, and possible criminal history. The profile helps investigators narrow down suspects and prioritize leads in the investigation.
- Ongoing Assessment and Refinement: Psychological profiling is not a static process; it evolves as new evidence emerges and the investigation progresses. Profilers continually reassess their hypotheses and refine the profile based on additional information and insights gained from the investigation.
Legal and Justice System Perspectives in India
1.Legal Definition of Rape: In India, rape is defined under Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code . The definition was broadened and amended through the Criminal Law Act, 2013, to include various forms of sexual assault, including penetration without consent, oral sex without consent, and penetration with objects.
2.Reporting and Investigation: Survivors of rape can report the crime to the police, and it is mandatory for the police to register a First Information Report upon receiving a complaint. However, survivors often face barriers in reporting due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and mistrust in the justice system. Police practices in handling rape cases vary widely across different regions, and there have been criticisms of insensitivity, victim-blaming, and delays in investigation.
3.Medical Examination: Survivors of rape are entitled to undergo a medical examination to document physical evidence of the assault. Medical reports can be crucial evidence in court proceedings. Additionally, survivors may receive medical and psychological support through government-run hospitals or crisis centres.
4.Legal Proceedings: Rape cases are adjudicated by the courts, and the trial process can be lengthy and challenging for survivors. Special fast-track courts were established to expedite the trial of sexual offenses after the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. However, backlogs in the judiciary remain a significant issue, leading to delays in delivering justice.
5.Legal Aid and Support Services: Survivors of rape have the right to legal representation, and free legal aid is available for those who cannot afford private lawyers. Various non-governmental organizations and support groups also offer counselling, legal assistance, and other services to survivors. Prevention and Intervention Strategies
- Education and Awareness: Comprehensive sex education programs in schools and communities can teach individuals about consent, healthy relationships, gender equality, and the importance of respecting boundaries. Public awareness campaigns can also challenge harmful attitudes and stereotypes that perpetuate rape culture.
- Empowerment of Women and Girls: Promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls to assert their rights and autonomy can help prevent rape. This includes initiatives to increase access to education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles for women and girls, as well as efforts to challenge patriarchal norms and practices.
- Support for Survivors: Providing comprehensive support services for survivors of rape, including medical care, counselling, legal assistance, and access to shelters, is essential. Ensuring survivors have access to confidential and non-judgmental support can encourage reporting and help facilitate healing and recovery.
- Creating Safe Environments: Designing public spaces, workplaces, and institutions to be safe and inclusive can help prevent rape and other forms of sexual violence. Measures such as adequate lighting, security cameras, and bystander intervention training can contribute to creating environments where sexual violence is less likely to occur.
- Engaging Men and Boys: Engaging men and boys as allies in the prevention of rape and gender-based violence is crucial. Men and boys can play a key role in challenging harmful norms and behaviours, promoting positive masculinity, and advocating for gender equality.
- Policy and Advocacy: Advocating for policies and legislation that address the root causes of sexual violence, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, is essential for creating systemic change. This includes efforts to strengthen laws against sexual violence, allocate resources for prevention and support services, and promote accountability at all levels of society.[3]
REFRENCES
- ↑ http://Rape - Definition, Examples, Cases, Processes (legaldictionary.net) legal dictionary
- ↑ http://Psychological-Effects-of-Rape.pdf (eajournals.org) ea journals
- ↑ http://Psychosocial interventions for survivors of rape and sexual assault experienced during adulthood - PMC (nih.gov) nih gov