Citation

Batra L, Mishra KK, Sharma S, Paul N, Marwale A. Indian J. Psychiatry 2022; 64(Suppl 1): S130-S133.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Medknow Publications)

DOI

10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_746_21

PMID

35599652

PMCID

PMC9122137

Abstract

Sexual violence may be a vital reason not only for physical but also for psychological distress and anguish for women and children. Primarily women and girls suffer from sexual violence but boys may also be victim of sexual abuse.[1] Adult men specifically in jails or custody along with sexual minorities such as transgender may additionally be prone to sexual violence. There are many forms of sexual assaults and the perpetrators may be an unknown person or government/private servant or a closely known person; as per the available data perpetrators in sexual violence cases are commonly a known person.

The relevant Indian laws which may be considered in context are; IPC section 375- definition of Rape,[2] Section 376- Punishment for Rape,[2] Section 228(a)- Disclosure of victim's identity is punishable offense, Section 366A and 366B - Export or import of girls for prostitution is punishable. Others are " Sexual harassment of women at their workplace" (Prevention act) 2003, CrPC Sec 357C - No hospital can refuse the admission of victim of child sexual abuse, IPC 166 B - No hospital can deny treatment of a rape victim. As per the protection of children from sexual offences (POCSO)[3] act section 27, if victim is female child or adolescent the medical examination is to be done by a lady doctor.

In every case of sexual assault or violence, examination is done for any physical disabilities, mental illness, and pregnancy, HIV, or other sexually transmitted diseases. Calling a mental health professional to provide mental health care has two purposes; (i) Provide mental health support (ii) Assessment of mental health issues or morbidities if any...

Language: en