Criminology of Rape

Abstract

Rape is one of the most heinous and inhumane yet prevailing crimes in the Indian Subcontinent. This study explores the criminology of rape in various aspects. It defines rape from both a legal as well as a criminological perspective, enabling us to understand how different domains view the act of rape. The article seeks to examine the motives of the rapist, which is the most ignored area when it comes to the study of rape. Various criminological theories are dealt with in this article. It covers theoretical
perspectives on rape through the lens of various theories, such as the Evolutionary Theory and the Social Theory. Additionally, this study aims to understand the factors that provoke the rapist to commit the act of rape in the first place. It addresses psychological factors and social factors such as societal myths and victim-blaming, which, again, are major root causes of rape culture. Moreover, the research aims to conduct a criminological analysis of rape cases by examining high-profile and famous rape cases, along with their conviction rates. The delays caused by the judiciary, the impact of media coverage, and the influence of public opinion are also seen as major contributors to the existing rape culture. Furthermore, the research seeks to provide solutions and legal reforms for the prevention of rape cases in the future by understanding the flaws in the existing legal system’s efficiency in handling rape cases.