Citation

Math SB, Harbishettar V. Indian J. Med. Res. 2019; 150(2): 112-115.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru 560 029, Karnataka, India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Indian Council of Medical Research)

DOI

10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_309_18

PMID

31670266

Abstract

The Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC s375) on rape was comprehensively revised following recommendations from the 'Justice Verma Committee' in January 2013. The Committee has broadened the definition of rape by amending the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013, in which other crimes outraging the modesty and dignity of women are included [2]. Furthermore, the new legislation includes offences such as voyeurism, stalking, disrobing and trafficking of women. The Committee's move is in tune with United Nations constitutional values that every woman was entitled to her bodily integrity and to sexual autonomy. Sexual autonomy implies that a woman has a choice to decide with her body as a whole. Against the background of a broader definition of rape, this article focuses on the roles and responsibilities of the medical fraternity in treating survivors of sexual violence.

Rape results in violation of sexual autonomy and the bodily integrity of a womanand is punishable under the law. To ensure the safety of women against these broader types of crimes, the law is amended. The revised definition of rape is, penetration of a woman's vagina, urethra, anus or mouth by a penis and also penetration of the vagina, urethra or anus by finger(s), object(s) or body part(s), including oral sex against her consent. Thus, a man who has committed this offence, shall be charged of rape under the newly amended law.


Women experiencing acts of violence are likely to visit Health Care Centres more frequently than any other institution for seeking treatment, solace, protection and healing. Interventions by healthcare providers can potentially mitigate both the short- and long-term effects of sexual violence against women, children and their families. The victims have faith and respect for the medical practitioners, who should respond humanely and empathetically without ignoring the technical procedures related to legal provisions of the case.

To safeguard survivors' health, and to ensure that they get adequate care ...

Language: en