What is a rape culture?

Rape culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent in which sexual violence against women is normalised and justified where sex is associated with violence and the victim is blamed for rape and the women who has been raped later suffers social discrimination by the society.

Why by many scholars India is described as rape culture?

According to the survey conducted by NCRB.

Seventy-seven rape cases were reported across India on an average every day in 2020.Total 28,046 a year, overall, 3,71,503 cases of crime against women were reported across the country last year.

Rajasthan has highest number of rapes (5,310) in 2020, followed by Uttar Pradesh (2,769), Madhya Pradesh (2,339) cases.


We live in a patriarchal society where men are dominating and females are expected to be submissive and the one who are made to adjust. People are trying to make Domestic violence a part of women's life.

Rapist don't understand what consent means. Even the social upbringing of such people are so poor and they belong from such families where they see discrimination between their mother and father.

Sex education is not proper in most of the schools. Teacher skip the chapter because they feel talking about such things lower down their moral and values. Even parents feel shy and don't talk about penis, vagina, sex, protection. Children tend to learn such things from their peer group and they don't get proper knowledge.

Marital rape is forcing your spouse into having sex without proper consent is another important issue contributing towards inequality and affecting her mental health.

Experts point outs that violence against girls and women usually in their surroundings. According to the National crime records bureau data from 2017, 93% of all the rape cases are confide by people known to the victim. Generally family members relatives, employees.

Increase in rise of rape cases angered many Indian. They are demanding for capital or the authorities to hang the culprit. Experts say that this contributes towards rise in such violence.

Movies and Advertisement play a vital role in developing minds of young kids. Generally, the female protagonist is shown as fragile and always who need someone to protect, either father or her husband.

The way how females are depicted in songs makes an image and character which is subject to easy comment on. Women are retrained in their house and not allowed to move freely at night and those who dare to are given remark such as character less, bad girls.

In most of the state’s people believe that the victim should be equally punished.
They say that "It is impossible to clap with one hand" The way girls wear jeans and walk; boys get attracted when they see them.
They believe in the concept that Rape is a part of the society this will go on and the Victims of the rape who are raising their voices are lowering the reputation of the family. In a lot of cases victim of rape has to face honour killing by their families or relatives.

These simple lines give huge disappointment.

The Justice System

• Fighting for justice is not an easy process. Many instances have been seen where victims are pressurized, blackmailed to withdraw their cases.
• If a case goes on trial, it will take centuries to reach to a decision. This adds a lot of problem to the victim life by their own families, society and yes, the rapist as well
• Section 375 of IPC defines rape as "sexual intercourse" With a women without her consent, by coercion, misinterpretation or fraud or at a time when he in intoxicated or dumped or is of an unsound mind, mental health and in any case if she is under age of 18.
• Penetration is sufficient to constitute the sexual intercourse necessary to the offence of rape.
• Protection of children against sexual offences act 2012 was made to protect child from sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography.
• It also includes other types of penetration apart from penile-vaginal penetration and Criminalises act of Immodesty against child too.
• There is an ordinance pass to amend the Indian penal code, 1860, to increase minimum punishment of rape of a woman from seven to ten years. Rape and gang rape of girls below the age of 12 years with minimum imprisonment of 20 years and is extendable to life imprisonment Or death.

This vicious cycle must stop and we educated people who consider themselves responsible should actually work towards this 'Rape Culture' as well as try to provide right information to children.

School should educate girls about their rights. We, as a society also play a really big role in identifying and countering. The factor that plays an important role in promoting the rape culture.

Written By: Akshika Dubey, Ballb (hons) - Jagran lakecity university