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Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.

Sexual Crimes

This explainer discusses the different ways to report an incident of sexual harassment or assault, even if it happens online and how the law can help. It primarily deals with the law laid out in the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Information Technology Act, 2000, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012  and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 for workplace sexual harassment.

FAQs

I went out clubbing with my friends and a man felt me up while I was dancing, even after I told him not to. Can I file a complaint against him?

If a man texts me on my phone and says “If you don’t have sex with me, then you will get hurt”, then what can I do?

Since invasion of privacy is considered an offence under the law, in what situations can I expect privacy?

I sent a private sexual video only to my boyfriend, but he sent it to his friends, who then distributed it to their friends. What can I do?

My boyfriend tried to forcefully remove my clothes while we were in the privacy of our room. Does the law still protect me?

If a person is accused of stalking, will he get bail?

What can I do if the police refuse to file my complaint against a sexual crime?

Can I file a complaint against a family member for rape or sexual violence?

As a man, can I file a complaint against another man who sexually assaulted me?

As a woman, can I file a complaint against another woman who sexually assaulted me?