An Analysis Of Legal And Social Challenges In Addressing Sexual Offences Against Men In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 6
- 1 min read
Thirshal Mercy. A, Dr Ambedkar Law College, Pudupakkam
Vaishnavi. E, Dr. Ambedkar Law College, Pudupakkam
ABSTRACT
When we hear the word "rape," we usually think of a crime committed against a woman. This isn't because rapes only happen to women; rather, it doesn't match with the notion that a guy can also be raped. The rules pertaining to sexual offences have been modified in recent years in response to societal shifts, but there has been no change in the treatment of male sexual misconduct. Sexual offences against men remain a largely overlooked and under-researched area within the Indian legal and social context. Despite the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, legal provisions continue to be gender-specific, recognizing women as primary victims while excluding men, particularly male students subjected to sexual abuse by teachers, both in male-to-male and female-to-male scenarios. This exclusion creates systemic barriers for male survivors, who face societal stigma, cultural stereotypes of masculinity, and institutional neglect, preventing them from reporting incidents and accessing justice. The study identifies urgent gaps in the legal framework, educational institutions, and societal attitudes, underscoring the need for gender-neutral sexual offence laws, enhanced reporting mechanisms, trauma-informed counseling, awareness campaigns, and judicial sensitization.
Keywords: Rape, sexual offenses, male survivors, societal stigma.
