Legal and Psychological Dimensions of Rape: An Analysis of Legislative Reforms and Societal Impact

Analysis Research

Open Access

Peer-reviewed

Legal and Psychological Dimensions of Rape: An Analysis of Legislative Reforms and Societal Impact

Dr. Mohammad Rauf , Dr. Md. Aman Azeem

DIP: 18.02.023/20251002

DOI: 10.25215/2455/1002023

Received: May 16, 2025; Revision Received: June 12, 2025; Accepted: June 16, 2025

Abstract

Rape, a pervasive crime with profound psychological and societal repercussions, demands a multidimensional analysis integrating legal, psychological, and socio-cultural perspectives. This paper examines India’s legislative evolution in combating sexual violence, from landmark judicial interventions like Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997) to post-Nirbhaya reforms, while critiquing systemic failures—low conviction rates (27%, NCRB 2022), victim-blaming, and institutional apathy. Debunking myths surrounding offenders, victims, and consent, it highlights rape as an act of power, not passion, exacerbated by patriarchal norms and weak enforcement. Case studies (Nirbhaya, Kathua, Delhi school assault) reveal gaps in justice delivery and societal complicity. The study proposes a holistic strategy: judicial reforms (fast-track courts, marital rape criminalization), gender-sensitive education, community-based prevention, and survivor-centric support. Recommendations emphasize dismantling rape culture through legal accountability, behavioural change, and institutional safeguards to foster a safer, equitable society.

Keywords

The author(s) appreciates all those who participated in the study and helped to facilitate the research process.

The author(s) declared no conflict of interest.

This is an Open Access Research distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Responding Author Information

Dr. Md. Aman Azeem @ amanazeem.amu@gmail.com

Legal and Psychological Dimensions of Rape: An Analysis of Legislative Reforms and Societal Impact

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Article Overview

ISSN 2455-670X

DIP: 18.02.023/20251002

DOI: 10.25215/2455/1002023

Published in

Volume 10 Issue 2, April – June, 2025

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