ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

I would like to extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks towards

all those who have helped me in making this project. Without
their active guidance, help, cooperation and encouragement I
would not have been able to present the project on time I
Soumojit Chakraborty
extend
Enrollmentmy sincere gratitude to my sociology teacher Ms.RIA
ID:FLICDDN01042
Program:BBALLB
JUNEJA Ma’am for her moral support and guidance during
Year:2023-2028
the tenure
Submitted of myJuneja
To: Ms.Ria projects. I also acknowledge with a deep
sense of reverence, my gratitude towards other faculty
member of ICFAI University for their valuable suggestions
given to me in completing the project.

MALE RAPE VICTIMS IN INDIA

DATE:15.11.23
INTRODUCTION:
In recent years, conversations around sexual violence have gained prominence,
shedding light on the experiences of survivors and advocating for justice. While
there has been a commendable effort to address sexual assault, one aspect that
often remains in the shadows is male rape victims. In India, where societal
norms and legal frameworks predominantly focus on female survivors, the
plight of male victims remains largely unexplored and inadequately addressed.
Some victims of rape or other sexual violence incidents are male. It is estimated
that approximately one in six men experienced sexual abuse during childhood.
Historically, rape was thought to be, and defined as, a crime committed solely
against females. This belief is still held in some parts of the world, but rape of
males is now commonly criminalized and has been subject to more discussion
than in the past. Males are far less likely to report sexual abuse than females.
Rape of males is still taboo, and has a negative connotation among heterosexual
and homosexual men Community and service providers often react differently
to male victims based on their sexual orientation and the gender of their
perpetrators. It may be difficult for male victims to report a sexual assault they
experienced, especially in a society with a strong masculine custom. They might
be afraid that people will doubt their sexual orientation and label them
homosexual, especially if raped by a male, or that they may be seen as un-
masculine because they were a victim, and therefore many statistics
underestimate how many males are raped due to their unwillingness to report
sexual assault and rape.Most of the time, male victims try to hide and deny their
victimization, similar to female victims, unless they have serious physical
injuries. Eventually, the male victims may be very vague in explaining their
injuries when they are seeking medical or mental health services.

The Stigma Surrounding Male Rape in India

One of the primary challenges faced by male rape victims in India is the
pervasive stigma surrounding sexual assault against men. Societal norms often
perpetuate the myth that men cannot be victims, contributing to a culture of
silence and shame. This stigma not only discourages survivors from reporting
the crime but also prevents them from seeking the support they desperately
need.

1
RESERCH AND STATICS
 MALE-ON-MALE RAPE
Male-on-male rape has been heavily stigmatized. According to psychologist
Sarah Crome, fewer than 1 in 10 male-on-male rapes are reported. As a group,
male rape victims reported a lack of services and support, and legal systems are
often ill-equipped to deal with this type of crime In the United Kingdom,
epidemiological studies have suggested that the rate of male rape is higher in
gay and college communities. The rape of men by men has been documented as
a weapon of terror in warfare (see also War rape). In the case of the Syrian Civil
War (2011–present), the male detainees experienced sexual abuse such as being
forced to sit on a broken glass bottle, getting their genitals tied to a heavy bag of
water, or being forced to watch the rape of another detainee by the officials.
Male-on-male rape in war times is a horrific manifestation of sexual violence
used as a weapon of terror in warfare. Perpetrators exploit societal taboos and
patriarchal norms to inflict profound physical and psychological trauma on male
victims. This form of sexual violence serves multifaceted purposes, including
the demoralization of enemy forces, the assertion of power and dominance, and
the creation of a culture of fear. The deliberate use of male rape as a tool of
warfare underscores the broader issue of sexual violence as a tactic to
destabilize communities and in still lasting psychological scars on individuals.
Addressing such atrocities requires a comprehensive approach that includes
legal accountability, support for survivors, and international condemnation to
deter the use of sexual violence as a weapon in conflicts.

 FEMALE-ON-MALE RAPE
Male victims of sexual abuse by females often confront a web of social,
political, and legal double standards that compound the challenges they face.
Socially, prevailing gender norms perpetuate the stereotype of men as
invulnerable, leading to disbelief or trivialization when they come forward as
victims. This societal bias can deter male survivors from reporting abuse,
fearing a lack of understanding or ridicule.
Politically, the discourse around sexual assault has historically centered on
female victims, resulting in the marginalization of male survivors. This gender-
specific focus can lead to inadequate support systems, limited resources, and a
lack of awareness regarding the unique struggles faced by male victims.

2
Legally, the existing framework in many jurisdictions tends to define sexual
assault in a way that assumes the perpetrator is male and the victim is female.
This bias can result in male victims encountering skepticism or facing
additional legal hurdles when seeking justice. Laws may not be adequately
equipped to handle cases where the perpetrator is female, contributing to a lack
of accountability.
Addressing the social, political, and legal double standards faced by male
victims requires a concerted effort to challenge ingrained stereotypes, promote
gender-neutral policies, and ensure that legal systems are inclusive and
responsive to the diverse experiences of survivors, irrespective of their gender.
Breaking these double standards is essential for fostering a more equitable and
supportive environment for all victims of sexual abuse.

Myths regarding male victims of male rape

 Males are not vulnerable
By masculine gender socialization, it is thought that males, even younger
males, cannot be victims of rape, nor even that they are vulnerable. In
some societies, it is considered shameful and unmanly if a male child
cries, because the male stereotype depicts males as being able to protect
themselves, which may not always be the case. Young boys may be
weaker and vulnerable to perpetrators, who are usually stronger. The
perpetrators can use whatever they have to abuse the child, including
money or other bribes. An adult male may also be helpless to fight back,
or fearful of doing so.

 Males always want sex

A common societal belief is that a male must be aroused if he gets an
erection or has an orgasm, therefore that means that he is willing and
enjoying any sexual activity. Roy J. Levin and Willy Van Berlo wrote in
an article in the Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine that slight genital
stimulation or stress can create erections "even though no specific sexual
stimulation is present". An erection does not mean that the men consent to
sex. Males can get erections even in traumatic or painful sexual
situations, and this does not indicate consent.
Much like female erectile response, male erectile response is involuntary,
meaning that a man does not need to be aroused for his penis to become
erect; mechanical stimulation is all that is necessary. Arousal and
stimulation are distinct things. Stimulation is a physical response to a
stimulus. Men can be physically stimulated without feeling aroused and

3
 thus causing an erection. Men can be scared and intimidated into an
erection, especially if the person is older or an authority.

 Traumatization
One notion is that males are less traumatized by the abuse experience
than females are; this includes the belief that males are less negatively
affected. Studies show that the long-term effects are damaging for either
sex and males may especially be more damaged by social stigma and
disbelief of their victimization. It is noted by Eogan and Richardson that
male victims tend to feel more intense anger than female victims, while
both go through similar feelings of distress after the rape. Frazier (1993)
studied 74 male and 1,380 female rape victims. She found that the
depression and hostility are more profound on male victims immediately
post-rape than on female victims.

 Sexual orientation
See also: Sexual orientation and Sexual identity
Henry Leak, the chairman of the Survivors organization, stated that rape
of males, as with females, has more to do with power than sexuality, and
does not only happen inside the homosexual community. Sexual
orientation is a complex issue, and the majority of male perpetrators who
seek out boys are not homosexual.
Male sexual assault victims often fear being seen as gay or weak, or
believe that their assault may be due to their appearance being effeminate
or homosexual so as to attract other males. Experts do not believe that
premature sexual experiences play a significant role in later sexual
orientation. Research by Jane Gilgun, Judith Becker and John Hunter
states that while many perpetrators may have experienced sexual abuse of
their own, most sexual assault victims will not go on to become
adolescent perpetrators. However, it must be noted that gay and bisexual
men can be victims of rape with "13.2% of bisexual men and 11.6% of
gay men reporting a history of rape in adulthood".

EFFECTS OF SEXUAL HARRASMENTS ON MALE

Male victims of rape endure profound physical and psychological effects that
often linger long after the traumatic event. Physically, survivors may suffer
immediate injuries such as bruising, lacerations, and fractures. Additionally,
there is a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other reproductive

4
health issues. The violence inherent in sexual assault can leave lasting scars,
both visible and hidden.
The psychological impact on male victims of rape can be severe and pervasive.
Trauma from the assault can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), including flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. Many survivors
grapple with feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame, often exacerbated by
societal misconceptions surrounding male victimhood. Depression and suicidal
thoughts are not uncommon, as the emotional toll can be overwhelming.
Male survivors may experience a profound sense of betrayal and loss of trust,
impacting their ability to form intimate relationships. They might struggle with
their own identity and masculinity, grappling with societal expectations and
stereotypes surrounding male strength and vulnerability.
Access to appropriate support services is crucial for male rape victims. Mental
health counseling, support groups, and helplines can aid in the healing process.
Recognizing and addressing the physical and psychological effects of rape on
male victims is essential for fostering a more empathetic and supportive society,
one that acknowledges the diverse experiences of survivors and works toward
dismantling stigmas associated with male victimhood.
Compared to men who have not been sexually assaulted, men who were
sexually assaulted before age 18 have a greater risk of having mental health
problems, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression;
alcoholism and drug abuse; suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts; problems in
intimate relationships; and underachievement at school and at work.
Because of gender expectations, being a male child victim of sexual abuse can
lead to:
1. Pressure to prove his manhood physically and sexually (becoming
stronger and engaging in dangerous or violent behavior; having multiple
female sexual partners).
2. Confusion over gender and sexual identity.
3. Sense of being an inadequate man.
4. Sense of lost power, control, and confidence to his manhood.
5. Problems with closeness and intimacy.
6. Sexual problems.
7. Fear of becoming 'homosexual' or 'gay'.
8. Homophobia.

5
Suicide possibility
The suicide rate for sexually abused males is 14 to 15 times higher than for
other males. McDonald and Tijerino found in their research that some
participants state that there were occasions on which they felt so bad that they
engaged in self-harming behaviors, including suicide attempts, and had suicidal
thoughts. There is also a study that shows that rape victims are 4.1 times more
likely to contemplate suicide and 13 times more likely to attempt suicide than
non-crime victims.
Males have a much higher rate of suicide than females. One common
explanation relies on the social constructions of hegemonic masculinity and
femininity. In a review of the literature on gender and suicide, male suicide rates
were explained in terms of traditional gender roles. Male gender roles tend to
emphasize greater levels of strength, independence, and risk-taking behavior.
Reinforcement of this gender role often prevents males from seeking help for
suicidal feelings and depression.

Healing therapy
Sexual assault victims need extensive emotional and psychological healing after
the raping, but male survivors are not likely to speak out their cases. Elizabeth
Donovan, a psychotherapist, said; "Males have the added burden of facing a
society that doesn't believe rape can happen to them ... at all.

Breaking the Silence: Voices of Male Rape Survivors

The stories of male rape survivors in India are often buried beneath layers of
societal expectations and prejudices. Breaking this silence requires a
multifaceted approach that involves raising awareness, dismantling stereotypes,
and providing a safe space for survivors to share their experiences.
Support Systems: Establishing support systems specifically tailored for male
survivors is crucial. Counseling services, helplines, and support groups need to
be accessible and sensitive to the unique challenges faced by male victims.
Educational Initiatives: Schools, colleges, and communities must integrate
comprehensive sex education programs that emphasize consent, respect, and
understanding boundaries, irrespective of gender. Education is a powerful tool
for dispelling myths and fostering empathy.
Legal Reforms: Advocacy efforts should focus on pushing for legal reforms
that explicitly recognize and address male rape. Amendments to existing laws
and the creation of new legislation are essential steps toward ensuring justice for
all survivors.

6
The Way Forward: Breaking Gender Stereotypes
Breaking the silence surrounding male rape victims requires a paradigm shift in
societal attitudes towards gender. To foster a more inclusive and empathetic
society, it is imperative to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes that
perpetuate harmful notions about masculinity.
Media Representation: Media plays a pivotal role in shaping societal
perceptions. Increased representation of male survivors in the media, with
sensitivity and respect, can contribute to changing public attitudes and
dismantling stereotypes.
Training for Law Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies need
specialized training to handle cases involving male rape victims. Sensitizing
police personnel to the unique challenges faced by male survivors is essential
for ensuring that survivors are treated with empathy and respect.

Legal Challenges and Ambiguities

The legal landscape in India poses additional challenges for male rape victims.
The existing legal framework largely revolves around laws that focus on female
survivors, such as Section 375 and 376 of the Indian Penal Code. The definition
of rape, as outlined in these sections, implicitly assumes that only women can
be victims. This oversight not only excludes male survivors but also denies
them the legal recourse that should be available to all victims of sexual
violence.
Efforts have been made to broaden the scope of legislation, but a comprehensive
legal framework addressing male rape victims is still lacking. There is an urgent
need for legal reforms that recognize the diverse experiences of survivors and
ensure gender-neutral laws to protect all victims of sexual assault.
The Indian Penal Code, Section 377, is the only section that criminalizes all acts
of nonconsensual carnal intercourse, including male-on-male rape.
Unnatural offences: Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the
order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with
imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for term which
may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation:
Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the
offense described in this section.
This section penalizes both consensual and forced sodomy with 10 years
minimum to life imprisonment. The Delhi HC stated that Section 377 of Indian
Penal Code will continue to govern non-consensual penile, non-vaginal sex and

7
penile non-vaginal sex involving minors. The section can be evoked to punish
sodomites, pedophiles and zoophiles.
The rape definition in Section 375 of Indian Penal Code does not include rape in
which males are the victims. The Indian government (2012) decided to change
the definition of "rape" as forcible penetration to include male victims, but was
criticized on the grounds that this would further harm the interests of female
rape victims.
In the 2013 Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, rape and sexual harassment
crimes were gender neutral. The term "rape" was removed and substituted with
"sexual assault". But strong objections were raised by feminist groups that made
the Indian government decided to restore the term "rape" and state that only
men can be the rapists of women.

THE LAWS -CAUSES & REMEDIES FOR MALE RAPRE VICTIMS

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is a comprehensive legal document that addresses
various aspects of criminal law in India. Three significant sections, namely 377,
375, and 376, pertain to sexual offenses and crimes against the human body.

1. Section 377: Unnatural Offenses

Section 377 of the IPC historically criminalized "unnatural offenses," making
consensual homosexual acts illegal. However, in a landmark judgment in 2018,
the Supreme Court of India decriminalized adult consensual same-sex relations,
recognizing the right to privacy and personal autonomy. This progressive move
marked a significant shift towards inclusivity and equality.
2. Section 375: Rape
Section 375 defines the offense of rape in the IPC. It outlines what constitutes
rape and includes provisions related to consent, age, and marital status.Recent
amendments to this section have expanded the definition of rape, recognizing
the importance of obtaining clear and unequivocal consent in all sexual acts.
This reflects a more contemporary understanding of sexual autonomy and the
importance of recognizing the diverse experiences of survivors.
3. Section 376: Punishment for Rape
Section 376 prescribes the punishment for the offense of rape. The severity of
punishment varies based on the circumstances, such as the age of the victim and
the presence of aggravating factors. This section emphasizes the gravity of
sexual offenses and aims to deter potential offenders.

8
Causes of Sexual Offenses and Rape:
Causes of sexual offenses are complex and multifaceted, often rooted in societal
attitudes, power imbalances, and cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based
violence. Factors such as inadequate sex education, economic disparities, and a
lack of awareness can contribute to the prevalence of sexual crimes.

Remedies:
Effective remedies for combating sexual offenses include:
Legal Reforms: Regular review and amendment of existing laws to reflect
contemporary values and protect the rights of all individuals.
Education and Awareness: Implementing comprehensive sex education
programs to promote a culture of consent, respect, and understanding.
Support Systems: Establishing robust support systems for survivors,
including counseling services, helplines, and legal aid.
Community Engagement: Encouraging community involvement in
addressing the root causes of sexual offenses and fostering a collective
commitment to combating gender-based violence.
In conclusion, the IPC sections 377, 375, and 376, along with legal reforms,
education, and community engagement, play vital roles in addressing sexual
offenses in India. Creating an inclusive and supportive environment, coupled
with stringent legal measures, is crucial for preventing sexual crimes and
supporting survivors on their path to justice and healing.

9
Case study:
 Location: Jalandhar
 Date: November 2022
 Case: The victim is a married man who hails from Jalandhar and works
as labourer in a leather factory. While he has chosen not to report the
matter to the police, he started the entire ordeal with the media.
According to the man, his kidnapping was done for sexual motive while he was
on his way home on Monday, “A white car stopped near me on the Kapurthala
road and there were women inside. The woman on the driver’s seat asked me
for some address written on a slip. As soon as I started looking what was
written, she sprayed some chemicals in my eyes, after which I could not see
anything I fainted.
When I gained consciousness, I was sitting with them in the car, blindfolded
with hands tied behind my back. After this, all four women took turns to rape
me. Later at the girls left from there leaving me blindfolded and with hands
tied.” The man further shared that he was taken to an unknown place where the
women allegedly drugged him. He also stated that all the accused women were
constantly drinking alcohol and forced him to drink as well. The man then
informed the reporters that the women, who would be in their 20s, seemed to be
from good families. All were talking among themselves mostly in English.
However, they talked to him in Punjabi only.
Despite of such shocking details, the man has chosen not to report the matter to
the police, since he is married and has kids.
According to him, his wife asked him not to file a complaint since he came back
alive and that is what mattered to the family.
However, the Intelligence Department of Punjab Police has SOU MOTO
PROBE in the matter.

 Case: In 2016, a significant male rape case emerged in Delhi, bringing

attention to the issue of sexual violence against men. The victim, a 26-
year-old male, courageously reported the assault, challenging societal
norms and shedding light on a lesser-discussed aspect of sexual crimes.
The incident occurred in a dimly lit alley in South Delhi, where the survivor
was forcibly abducted, assaulted, and subjected to sexual violence by a group of
perpetrators. The survivor, facing societal stigma and stereotypes associated

10
with male victimization, decided to pursue legal action, seeking justice for the
traumatic experience.
The case, heard in a Delhi court, unfolded with the survivor providing a detailed
account of the harrowing incident. The prosecution presented compelling
evidence, including CCTV footage, witness testimonies, and forensic reports,
establishing the culpability of the accused individuals.
The court judgment, delivered in 2018, marked a significant milestone in
addressing sexual violence against men. The accused were found guilty under
relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 376 (rape) and
323 (voluntarily causing hurt). The court, recognizing the severity of the crime,
handed down stringent sentences to the perpetrators, setting a precedent for
cases involving male survivors.
This landmark judgment not only provided a sense of closure for the survivor
but also challenged societal perceptions surrounding sexual violence. It
underscored the importance of acknowledging that anyone, regardless of
gender, can be a victim of such crimes. The case study serves as a reminder that
addressing and condemning sexual violence requires a gender-neutral legal
framework, societal awareness, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

 Case: In 2017, a 32-year-old professional from Mumbai disclosed being

sexually assaulted by a colleague. The survivor faced not only the trauma
of the assault but also psychological distress exacerbated by societal
expectations around masculinity. The reluctance to seek support due to
fear of judgment and emasculation underscored the pervasive gender
norms that hindered the survivor's healing process.
Limited access to support services tailored for male victims further compounded
the survivor's struggles. This case highlighted the critical need for establishing
specialized counseling services, helplines, and support groups that address the
unique psychological challenges faced by male survivors.

11
Conclusion

Addressing the issue of male rape victims in India requires a collective effort
from society, the legal system, and the media. By breaking the silence,
challenging stereotypes, and advocating for legal reforms, we can create an
environment where all survivors feel empowered to speak out and seek justice.
It is crucial to recognize that sexual violence knows no gender, and every
survivor, regardless of their gender, deserves compassion, support, and justice.
Through concerted efforts, we can strive to build a society that not only
acknowledges the experiences of male rape victims but actively works towards
creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
These cases illuminate the complex landscape male rape victims navigate in
India. Legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and the creation of inclusive
support systems are imperative to address the unique challenges faced by male
survivors. By acknowledging their experiences and dismantling societal
stigmas, India can work towards fostering an environment that empowers male
victims to come forward, seek justice, and embark on a path to healing.

12
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
 https://www.wikipedia.org
 https://topper.com
 https://chatgpt3.5.io
 https://lawteacher.com
 https://timesnow.io

13