"Any violation of a woman's body can become sex for men; this is the essential truth of pornography." -- Andrea Dworkin

Abstract
The term "pornography" refers to visual media, such as photographs or videos, that depict sexual activity involving two or more individuals. Sexual violence refers to the act of subjecting an individual to non-consensual sexual activity or forcefully engaging them in sexual abuse.

During the 1950s, the introduction of pornography began to emerge. Approximately two decades later, video cassettes were developed, and it is noteworthy that nearly 75% of the cassettes sold during that time were pornographic in nature.[1] Any videos that are uploaded online without the explicit consent of the individuals involved may be considered non-consensual and potentially depict acts of sexual assault.

However, numerous studies have indicated and provided evidence to support the notion that a significant portion of pornography content can be classified as a manifestation of sexual violence towards women.

Furthermore, the methods employed in these acts of sexual violence have become increasingly brutal and devoid of basic human decency. This could also be attributed to the explicit portrayal of sexual activity in pornographic content, which often includes elements of force, objectification, and the demeaning of women.[2] Exposure to such content, without the necessary context of comprehensive sex education, may contribute to the normalization of these behaviors in the minds of individuals who consume it. The protection of women's rights is of utmost importance, and it is crucial to address sexual violence as a direct violation of these rights.

Research Problem
The profession of pornography exists, but it is limited to individuals who willingly and voluntarily engage in this industry. However, the study has confirmed that not all individuals employed in this particular sector are engaging in their work voluntarily. Rather, they may be compelled by factors such as coercion, undue influence, economic necessity, unemployment, or involvement in trafficking. The efficacy of laws aimed at monitoring forcibly obtained pornographic content warrants critical analysis.

The researcher has endeavored to examine the correlation between the consumption of pornography that portrays women in a demeaning and subordinate manner during sexual activities and the rising incidence of rape in India. Additionally, the researcher has identified a legal gap in addressing this issue, explored the adverse effects of pornography on mental health, and investigated the influence of sex education on an individual's personality.

The research aims to examine and address the following inquiries:

1. Is there a correlation between individuals who consume pornography that portrays women in a demeaning and subordinate manner during sexual encounters and the rising incidence of rape cases in India?
2. Is the act of forced pornography, which can be considered a form of rape, subject to legal consequences in a court of law?
3. Is there a detrimental effect on mental health associated with the heightened consumption of pornography?
4. Would the implementation of comprehensive and structured sex education, provided by parents themselves, who are considered the safest source of knowledge, be beneficial in mitigating instances of sexual violence?

Research Methodology
The present paper aimed to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the chosen topic, enabling the development of appropriate solutions and explanations. Additionally, it sought to enhance the comprehension and provide a more lucid depiction of pornography as a manifestation of sexual expression. Extensive scholarly investigation has been undertaken in the realm of violence and doctrinal research.

The research methodology employed in this study will involve the utilisation, comprehension, and examination of scholarly articles, academic journals, legal judgements, reputable websites, and authoritative books.

The selected doctrinal sources have acquired information through conducting interviews with a sample of 100 survivors who have personally experienced sexual violence at the rape crisis center. The data collected from the interview indicates a correlation between pornography and instances of sexual violence perpetrated against women. Despite the fact that the research is based on doctrinal principles, it is possible to confirm the presence of suitable and sufficient information.

The data collected is derived from scholarly sources, including books, articles, and journals that have utilized primary sources. Some data and statistics have been obtained from articles that have directly sourced information from individuals who are considered original sources. However, a potential limitation of this research paper is the absence of primary sources. The data and information gathered do not incorporate interviews, question-answer sessions, or personal narratives from individuals who have directly experienced the trauma and negative consequences associated with pornography.

Research Objectives:

1. To investigate the potential correlation between the consumption of sexually explicit content that portrays women in a demeaning and subordinate manner and the observed rise in incidents of sexual assault in India.
2. The objective of this study is to assess the potential adverse effects on mental health resulting from the heightened consumption of pornography.

In order to evaluate the potential impact of comprehensive sex education on the reduction of sexual violence, it is necessary to conduct a systematic analysis.

Introduction
In recent times, there has been a notable surge in the incidence of rape within our country. Furthermore, the manner in which these acts of sexual violence are perpetrated has become increasingly savage and devoid of basic human decency. This may also be attributed to the manner in which sexual activity is depicted in pornographic material, including the portrayal of force, the incorporation of objects, and the establishment of power dynamics.

In addition to perpetuating the degradation of women, such content has the potential to contribute to the normalization of these behaviors among individuals who consume it, particularly in the absence of comprehensive sexual education. The protection of women's rights is imperative, and sexual violence constitutes a clear violation of these rights.

India is positioned in the third place among nations with the highest rates of pornography consumption and holds the fourth position in terms of countries with the highest incidence of rape crimes. The physical, emotional, and reproductive health of women can be impacted by sexual assault, both in the short-term and long-term. Sexual harassment is widely recognized as a substantial public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes various behaviors as sexual violence, irrespective of the perpetrator's relationship to the victim or the setting in which it occurs.[3]

These behaviors encompass any sexual act, any attempt to solicit a sexual act, any unwelcome sexual comments or advances, any acts related to trafficking, or any other actions that exploit a person's sexuality through coercion. It is important to note that this definition encompasses a wide range of situations, including but not limited to the home and workplace. Approximately 88% of pornographic scenes incorporate instances of physical violence, while 48% involve instances of verbal violence.

Furthermore, it is observed that women constitute approximately 94% of the target audience for such content. In addition, the male characters are depicted as possessing dominant traits, while the female characters are portrayed as submissive and obedient. The disparity in power or unequal power is readily apparent. This perspective demonstrates the belief in male dominance and female subordination, which subsequently contributed to instances of sexual misconduct targeting women.

I. The correlation between individuals engaging in pornography consumption and the escalating incidence of rape cases in India.
A comprehensive examination of 304 sequences extracted from highly popular pornographic videos in the year 2010 unveiled that a majority of the scenes, exceeding 50%, depicted instances of verbal aggression, predominantly manifested through the use of derogatory language. Furthermore, an overwhelming proportion of approximately 90% of the situations portrayed in these videos involved physical aggression.

The predominant recipients of these aggressive behaviors were females, and their responses to the aggression ranged from neutral to pleasurable. While certain studies have found that over 90% of pornography portrays violence, other researchers have estimated a lower percentage of 2%. There is a lack of consensus among individuals regarding the definition of violent content, which is a disconcerting observation pertaining to the prevalence of violence within pornography.

There exists a strong and conclusive correlation between the consumption of pornography and the perpetration of violence against women. According to a report published by the Statista Research Department on October 13, 2022, the number of reported cases of rape against women in India in the year 2021 was 31,000.[4] There are several cases in our country that go unreported for various reasons.

According to a statistical report provided by the research department of Statista, the number of reported rape cases in India was 18,359 in 2005. Over time, there has been a gradual increase in these cases, with the number rising to 38,947 in 2016. This increase can be attributed to the significant growth in the consumption of pornography. The observed rise in incidents of sexual assault suggests a potential correlation between the addiction to pornography and the surge in sexual offences within the nation.

Approximately 33% or 90% of pornographic videos depict instances of sexual violence or aggression.[5]

According to existing research, there is evidence to suggest that storylines containing sexually violent content have the potential to shape the perspectives and actions of consumers, leading to adverse effects on their mental well-being and behavior8.

A research team conducted an analysis on a substantial number of widely viewed pornographic scenes, revealing that a significant proportion, specifically 88.2%, depicted instances of physical violence or aggression. Additionally, approximately 48.7% of these scenes portrayed verbal expressions of anger. Based on an additional research investigation, it was determined that approximately 25% of the videos analyzed on Porn hub exhibited verbal aggressiveness. Furthermore, nearly 40% of these videos depicted visible aggression or violence.

Additionally, the study revealed that 35.0% of the videos on XVideos and 45.1% of the videos on Porn hub contained elements of violence or aggressiveness. According to the findings of each of these studies, it was predominantly women who were identified as the victims.

When individuals are exposed to such content, it is possible that some may develop the perception that such behavior is prevalent and socially acceptable. As a result, they may be inclined to engage in similar behavior themselves.[6]

Multiple studies have demonstrated that individuals who watch pornographic content are more likely to objectify and dehumanize others, express the desire to rape, blame the victim of a sexual assault, support sexual violence, send unsolicited sexts, commit sexual assault themselves, and be less likely to stop any type of sexual offence.[7]

In 2016, a group of distinguished academicians conducted a meta-analysis of credible studies examining the relationship between erotica and sexual violence. Reviewing relevant literature on the topic, they concluded that "there is little doubt that, on average, those who consume pornography more frequently are more likely to hold attitudes favorable to sexual aggression and engage in actual acts of sexual aggression." In addition, research indicates that viewing more erotica is associated with objectionable, unusual, or aggressive sexual behavior.[8]

A significant portion of the porn watched by millions of people every day reinforces the message that sexual violence is a normal component of what "good sex" is supposed to be, making it more difficult for many young people to prepare for healthy sexual relationships in which their consent and boundaries are respected. It's crucial that we begin to comprehend how pornographic contributes to the normalization of sexual violence as society struggles to address rape culture and its supporting factors.

Child pornography is another aspect of the same issue that must be addressed if the sexual abuse problem in the porn industry is to be understood clearly. Between 2017 and 2018, the number of confirmed allegations of photographs depicting child sexual assault increased by 35%, and that's just what has been confirmed. Child erotica is one of the fastest-growing online industries.

There is an inextricable connection between the objectification in pornography and the objectification that almost always precedes sexual assault. Considering what we know about neural pathways and the need for constant stimulation, it is logical to assume that porn concentrating on "barely legal" women soon takes a sinister turn after the consumer has become desensitized, resulting in an increase in the desire for child pornography. The United States generates 55% of the world's juvenile pornography.

According to the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children's (NCMEC) research, 43 percent of child pornography is created by a parent, neighbor, or family acquaintance. This indicates that those who reside nearest to you pose the greatest threat to the protection of your infant. In a study that was published in the Journal of Family Violence, it was determined that none of the males convicted of offences related to child pornography had ever requested child porn.

When pornographic material has been obtained by force, against the person's will, or without his or her assent, legal recourse is available. stipulations regarding the transmission of media containing a person's intimate areas without his or her consent. This offence is punishable by imprisonment for three years or a fine of not more than two lakh rupees, or both.[9]

Ⅱ. Sex education has been proposed as a potential remedy for the issue of violence perpetrated against women in relation to pornography.
Scientific evidence supports the notion that an individual's personality is predominantly influenced by various factors, including the environment, educational instruction, school climate, parental engagement, and personal experiences encountered during childhood. Ensuring that a child receives comprehensive sex education is of utmost importance, primarily through parental guidance and/or formal instruction provided by educational institutions.

Sex education encompasses the acquisition of information pertaining to the fundamental aspects of sex, sexuality, its purpose, and the associated challenges. Its primary objective is to equip individuals, particularly adolescents, with the necessary knowledge to make informed and responsible decisions concerning relationships, sexuality, and their overall emotional and physical well-being upon reaching maturity.

The choices and decisions made by individuals are influenced by various situational factors and their acquired knowledge. Consequently, it is crucial to ensure that individuals receive a comprehensive education, including sex education. Insufficient provision of comprehensive sexual education may result in individuals acquiring inaccurate information from sources such as films, pornography, and online platforms.

The dissemination of inaccurate information, particularly as a result of the widespread consumption of pornography in recent years, has had a significantly adverse impact on the overall health and well-being of individuals worldwide.

According to data compiled by the World Bank, European nations have adopted a progressive stance towards sexual education, resulting in a reduction in instances of adolescent pregnancy and sexual offences. The educators instruct students on the normalcy, healthiness, and positivity of sexual activity. Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands have implemented effective sex education programs, as evidenced by the lower incidence of sex-related issues such as rape and teenage pregnancy. On the contrary, there exists a perspective that advocates for a repressive, abstinence-only approach to sex education.

This particular curriculum inhibits students from acquiring knowledge about various facets of sexuality, including sexual offences, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. In this context, the observable outcome of providing comprehensive sexual education is evident.

The elimination of adolescents' misconceptions regarding pornography and its negative consequences can be achieved through the promotion of comprehensive sex education within educational institutions such as schools and colleges. Furthermore, it is recommended that individuals of school-age and adolescence undergo screening for Internet addiction, as this condition has been identified as a potential precursor to the development of pornography addiction. It is imperative to foster public awareness regarding the detrimental impacts of cyber pornography on individuals and society as a whole.

Individuals who exhibit addiction to pornography should be referred to a specialized treatment facility, where they can receive counselling or therapy tailored to their specific signs and symptoms of addiction, as assessed by a qualified mental health practitioner.

Furthermore, the implementation of specialized treatment programs targeting individuals with pornographic addiction has the potential to offer significant assistance. Support groups can be highly beneficial, as individuals may derive significant strength from participating in them.

It is imperative to ensure the enactment of the Legal Information Technology (IT) Act, which would serve to prohibit the advertisement of explicit materials on websites. This measure is particularly important in light of the fact that children now have direct access to such content, which may not be suitable for their viewing. Additionally, it is crucial to closely monitor the pornographic sector in order to minimize children's exposure to explicit material.

The Children and Social Work Act of 2017, implemented in England and Wales, stipulated the inclusion of relationship and sexual education in the curriculum of all schools. This education encompasses topics related to both physical and digital safety or literacy. The implementation of this requirement is scheduled to commence in September 2020. This intervention has the potential to enhance teenagers' perception and perspective when encountering their initial sexual experiences.

The Legal Framework In India
Engaging in sexually explicit and pornographic content that is deemed obscene and has the potential to morally corrupt individuals is subject to legal consequences. The aforementioned actions may be subject to legal penalties as prescribed by the aforementioned laws.

• · The provisions outlined in Section 292 and 293 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, pertain to specific aspects of the aforementioned legal code.
• · The Information Technology Act of 2000 is a significant legislation in the field of information technology.
• · The subject of discussion is the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012.
• · The Women's Indecent Representation Act of 1986.

The aforementioned laws lack a specific definition of pornography or obscenity, leading to confusion and ambiguity in determining whether certain activities are classified as illegal or not.

According to the Information Technology Act of 2000, specifically Section 66E, it is stated that the act of transmitting photographs depicting the private parts of an individual is prohibited. Engaging in an act without the consent or permission of the individual involved is subject to legal consequences, including a potential prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to two lakhs.

In the notable legal matter of Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) and Anr. v. Union of India and Ors (2018),[10] the court determined that the act of disseminating or transmitting any material that infringes upon an individual's privacy rights is deemed to be a contravention of Article 21 of the Constitution of India.[11]

Section 67 pertains to the publication or transmission of obscene content. A first conviction under this section carries a maximum penalty of 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of 5 lakhs. Subsequent offences of the same nature are subject to a more severe punishment, with a maximum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment and a fine of 10 lakhs.[12]

According to Section 67 A, the act of disseminating any form of sexually explicit content is subject to legal consequences, including a potential prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to 10 lakhs.[13]

According to Sections 292 and 293 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, it is deemed unlawful to engage in the sale, distribution, or circulation of materials that are considered obscene. Any individual who engages in the sale, rental, distribution, public display, or any other means of making available to the public, or possesses with the intent to sell, rent, distribute, publicly display, or make available to the public, an obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation, figure, or any other object deemed obscene. According to Section 293, the act of selling an obscene object to an individual who is under the age of 20 is subject to punishment.[14]

The subject of discussion is the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012. Chapter III of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act pertains to the exploitation of children for the production and dissemination of pornographic material. This offence is punishable under Section 14(1) of the Act, which stipulates a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment.[15]

Conclusion
Individuals of all genders possess a desire for equitable sexual experiences and exhibit inherent attractions towards one another. The primary determinant of reproductive health remains to be sexual desire. The sexual behavior of individuals is shaped by a multitude of factors, including but not limited to gender, knowledge and attitudes, social environment, and religious beliefs. Nevertheless, the global dissemination of pornography has become widespread, facilitated by the widespread accessibility of the Internet. This accessibility has, in turn, facilitated the promotion of explicit sexual activities as well as the dissemination of sexual health education.

The potential influence of cyber pornography on crimes and offences targeting women, as well as instances of sexual harassment perpetrated by men, is evident. However, within the context of a particular nation and its cultural norms, effective strategies for mitigating these offences involve the dissemination of public awareness, the provision of age-appropriate sex education, fostering social cohesion, and establishing a robust judicial framework. These measures would significantly contribute to addressing the issue at hand.

In conclusion, the current state of affairs, wherein instances of sexual violence occur within the realm of pornography, is undeniably exerting a detrimental influence on society. Given the substantial viewership of online pornography, including individuals under the age of 18, it is evident that the current regulations pertaining to this matter are lacking in stringency. Consequently, virtually anyone is able to access such explicit videos and images without significant restrictions. This phenomenon has a significant impact on the conduct of adolescent males, influencing their body language, attitude, and perception of women and girls.

The prevalence of videos depicting the use of bondage or aggressive body language towards women during sexual encounters has led viewers, particularly the younger generation, to perceive such acts as entertaining and socially acceptable.

The following suggestions can be observed in relation to this matter: There is a need for the implementation of more robust and rigorous regulations pertaining to the accessibility of pornographic material. This is crucial in order to mitigate any potential adverse effects on children, ensuring that their behavior remains unaffected by exposure to such content from an early stage of development.

It is imperative for educational institutions and parents to provide comprehensive sex education to children, as they bear the responsibility of imparting knowledge and guidance to ensure their moral development and prevent the occurrence of heinous crimes in their adulthood. Furthermore, it is crucial to raise public awareness regarding this matter.

Bibliography

1. The Indian Penal Code, 1860
2. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012
3. The Information and Technology Act, 2000
4. "Porn and Sexual Violence: A Relationship with Consequences"
5. "The Language of Violence in a new context: Pornography and Cyberspace"
6. "Pornography and Sexual Violence against women in India: A Scoping Review"
7. "Exploring the Connection between pornography and sexual violence"

End-Notes:

1. Westheimer, R. Human Sexuality: "A Psychosocial Perspective". 2nd ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005: 719–723
2. Griffiths, M. "Why isn't sex addiction in the DSM-5. Addiction Experts Blog. March 2015
3. Violence Against Women, Available Online at:
4. Statista, Available online at:
5. Does Porn Use Lead to Sexual Violence? Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-apes/202104/does-porn-use-lead-sexual-violence
6. Exploring the Connection Between Pornography and Sexual Violence, Available at:
7. A Review of Internet Pornography Use Research: Methodology and Content from Past 10 Years, Available at:
8. Study Shows 88% of Popular Porn Videos contain Violence, Available Online at:
9. Explained: The Laws related to Pornography in India, Available at:
10. K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India, AIR 2017 SC 4161.
11. The Constitution of India, 1950, art.21.
12. The Information and Technology Act, 2000, s.67.
13. The Information and Technology Act, 2000, s.67a.
14. The Indian Penal Code, 1860, s.293.
15. The Protection of Children from sexual Offences Act, 2012, s.14.