A SURVEY ON THE COPING STRATEGIES OF RAPE VICTIMS IN INDIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The issue of sexual molestation is a pervasive global concern that persists in many societies, rather than being a distant or abstract phenomenon. The egregious character of this audacious charade has deeply permeated both emerging and established economies. Mattis (2022) refers to rape as the deliberate act of engaging in non-consensual sexual touching or coercing and physically compelling an individual to participate in sexual activities against their volition. According to him rape and sexual assault are criminal offenses of a grave nature, distinguished by distinct terminology to delineate varying forms of misconduct. Udekwe (2017) mentioned that sexual assault encompasses a range of actions that involve the non-consensual engagement in a sexual act, resulting in the violation of an individual's bodily, psychological, and emotional well-being. The act may encompass coercing or persuading an individual into seeing or engaging in sexual activities.

Evidently, Tewkesbury (2017) opined that the definition and legal framework around rape vary significantly among nations and even within them, with regards to the specific acts that qualify as sexual assault. In the United Kingdom, the offence of sexual assault is defined as non-consensual physical contact, specifically 'touching'. Conversely, the Supreme Court of Canada has established that sexual assault is not contingent solely upon contact with a particular area of the human body, but rather encompasses any sexually motivated act that infringes upon the victim's sexual autonomy and integrity. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2022), rape is defined as the act of forcibly or coercively penetrating the vulva or anus, regardless of the degree of force used, using a penis, other bodily parts, or an instrument. The act of engaging in such behaviour is commonly referred to as an attempted rape. Despite variations in statutory conditions for rape across different nations, such as the requirement for the perpetrator to be male and the victim to be female in some jurisdictions, the fundamental nature of the offence remains consistent: non-consensual sexual penetration.

In contemporary times, the subject of rape has garnered more attention and prominence within the context of India. Individuals of all age groups, including infants and the elderly, are susceptible to this threat. It is noteworthy that a significant  As exposed by Crime in India (2020), majority, almost 90%, of those who experience rape are of the female gender.In India, rape ranks as the fourth most prevalent crime targeting women.The incidence of rape in India is witnessing a steady rise over time. Based on a report published in the Indian Express on January 5, 2016, the incidence of rape in Delhi witnessed an increase in the year 2015, as indicated by data revealing an average of six incidents reported daily. In the year 2015, a total of 2095 instances of rape were officially registered, whereas during the corresponding period in 2014, there were 2085 documented cases. According to the statement made by Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi via National Crime Bureau(2019)  a significant majority of around 70% of individuals involved in incidents of rape fall between the age bracket of 21 to 35 years.As per the annual report of the National Crime Record Bureau for the year 2013, it can be observed that... In 2012, a total of 24,923 incidents of rape were recorded in India, with 24,470 cases (98% of the total) involving perpetrators who were acquainted with the victims. According to the most recent data from the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), there is a daily occurrence of 93 reported cases of sexual assault against women in the country. Based on the statistics provided by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there is a discernible upward trend in the reported incidents of rape in India. Specifically, the number of recorded cases increased gradually from 24,923 in 2012 to 33,707 in 2013. The incidence of reported cases of sexual assault in Delhi witnessed a significant increase, nearly doubling from 585 incidents in 2012 to 1441 incidents in 2013. Delhi is succeeded by Mumbai (391), Jaipur (192), and Pune (171), which are often regarded as the foremost cities in terms of safety concerns inside the nation. Furthermore, it has been disclosed that Madhya Pradesh, with a total of 4335 cases, exhibits the highest number of documented rape incidents in 2013 compared to all other states.

Consequently,  rape incurs a psychological cost. Rape survivors commonly experience symptoms of despair, anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The psychological consequences that arise from experiencing sexual assault are commonly referred to as Rape Trauma (RT). The phenomenon of RT carries significant repercussions including several aspects such as diminished general health, dysfunctional family dynamics, and adverse consequences for work. According to the research conducted by psychologists Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman (2018), it has been scientifically established that rape survivors require a coping mechanism. Lazarus defined coping as the combination of cognitive and behavioural strategies that are dynamic and adaptive, aimed at effectively managing specific stressors that are perceived as challenging or burdensome, whether they originate internally or externally.

In essence, to the Kawu, (2020), coping refers to the cognitive and behavioural processes employed to actively seek and implement strategies aimed at resolving or mitigating the challenges and difficulties that arise as a result of stresses.The process of acquiring coping mechanisms following an experience of molestation may be broadly categorised into two main coping strategies: active coping and avoidant coping. Active coping methods refer to the deliberate actions taken by individuals to adjust the nature of a stressor or their perception of it. In contrast, avoidant coping strategies involve engaging in maladaptive behaviours, such as drug use, or adopting emotional states like denial, which hinder individuals from directly confronting traumatic situations.. Hence, Suri S. (2022) mentioned that active coping methods are considered more effective approaches for managing traumatic experiences, whereas avoidant coping techniques are regarded as a notable risk factor for negative outcomes in response to stressful life events.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Throughout the years in India, the issue of rape has emerged as a significant concern with profound implications for public health and human rights. This pervasive problem has far-reaching consequences that impact both adult and child victims, as well as their families and communities. As explained by Morgan & Kena  (2017), Survivors have a wide range of acute and long-term physical and mental health repercussions. The repercussions experienced by both adult and child victims encompass a range of adverse outcomes, such as physical injuries, substance abuse, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, despair, self-harm, and suicidal tendencies. While women who have experienced rape are particularly vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health issues, it is widely believed that employing active coping skills is a more effective approach to addressing the aftermath of such traumatic occurrences.

The study by  Dickinson ,  Dickinson  & Candib(2019) examines the use of religion and spirituality as coping strategies among African American women in the face of adversities, including instances of assault.Optimism has been characterised as a coping mechanism that has a positive correlation with an individual's psychological and physical well. On the contrary, it is worth noting that sexual assault survivors frequently resort to self-blame and avoidance as coping mechanisms, so presenting a significant challenge for care providers that prioritize crisis response. According to a study conducted by Tewkesbury  (2017), individuals who employ maladaptive coping strategies are shown to exhibit a higher propensity for engaging in health-risk behaviours compared to those who utilize suitable coping mechanisms. Psychiatric diseases, including anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and severe depression, have a positive correlation with coping methods characterised by avoidance. Furthermore, those who employ maladaptive coping mechanisms are more prone to resort to drug use as a means of coping. According to Tewkesbury, instances of rape have the potential to impede the acquisition of adequate emotional regulation capabilities, thus making individuals who have experienced childhood sexual assault (CSA) more susceptible to relying excessively on avoidant coping mechanisms.The user's text does not contain any information to rewrite.

Undoubtedly, experiencing sexual assault, specifically rape, may have a profound influence on an individual's capacity to fulfil various responsibilities, including aspects connected to parenting, intimate partnerships, as well as vocational and social functioning. While existing research has shown evidence supporting the significance of coping mechanisms in the aftermath of sexual assault, there has been a limited focus on examining the connection between coping abilities and the quality of life experienced by survivors of such incidents.  There have been research from India where the sociodemographic profile of rape victims has been explored .The user has provided a numerical range, specifically the interval from 12 to 13. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research conducted in India about the coping mechanisms utilized by those who have experienced sexual assault. The primary objective of this study is to establish a connection or bridge between the identified gap.

1.3 Objectives of the  Study

The objective of this study is focused on a survey on the coping strategies of rape victims in India. Other specific objectives includes:

i.          To find ou what situations lead to the rape of victims in India.

ii.        To  examine the effects of rape incidences on the victims.

iii.      T0  investigate oping strategies of rape victims in India.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following questions

i.          What are the  situations or factors that leads to rape of victims in India?                                                                    

ii.        What  are the effects of rape incidences on the victims?

iii.      What are the coping strategies of rape victims in India?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho1: There are no tangible coping strategies implored by rape survivors in Madhya Pradesh in India.

Hi: There are no tangible coping strategies implored by rape survivors in Madhya Pradesh in India.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be significant to parents,civil societies,international bodies, law makers and judiciary. To parent it will enlighten them on the need to build a strong, healthy and open relationship with their children. To Civil Societies and NGO's it will enable them to initiates elaborate campaigns against rape and rapist. To Legislator and Judiciary it will enlighten them on the need of upgrading the existing obsolete laws so as to ensure better protection of rape victims. it will enable the international community including united nations on the need to encourage India government to fully  implement regional treaties,declarations and resolutions prohibiting all acts of violence against women. finally the study will contribute to the general body of knowledge, serving as a reference material for other researchers and giving room for further studies in related field.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is focused on on a survey on the coping strategies of rape victims in India. The study is however delimited  to Madhya Pradesh in India.

1.8  Limitation of the Study

During the course of the research,  few minor obstacles while conducting the study, just as in every scientific endeavour. Lack of literature on   insurgency and it's effect on socio-economic development of North East Nigeria  was a key barrier. Hence, locating the pertinent resources, books, or information and the data gathering procedure took a lot of effort and organization. Since this study involves rape survivors in  Madhya Pradesh, it is limited to a particular section and state, and hence, there is a limitation in generalizing the study findings to the population. Replication of the study in different states all over India could lead to a better generalizability. No control group was included, so a comparison with age- and sex-matched individuals was not possible. Since causal association cannot be inferred from a descriptive study, longitudinal studies are required to overcome this limitation. Time restrictions were also an issue because the researcher had to complete this research while still going to classes and performing other necessary educational tasks.  However all aspects were minimized in order to deliver the best results possible and ensure the success of the research, despite the limitations that were faced during the study.

1.9       Definition of terms

Rape: Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration carried out against a person without that person's consent

Sexual Molestation: Sexual molestation, also referred to as abuse, is abusive sexual behavior by one person upon another. It is often perpetrated using force or by taking advantage of another

Victim: A victim is a person who has suffered physical or emotional harm as a result of crime, rape, accident or other event.

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