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Sexual Crimes

    Home Topics Sexual Crimes

    How does this explainer help you?

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

    This explainer gives survivors of sexual violence an understanding of their rights so that they know the categories of sexual crimes in India and the reporting mechanisms for them. Criminal law in India deals strictly with men who sexually harass and abuse women and gives strict punishments. It is important to note that apart from the intention of the perpetrator, the perception of the survivor on whether certain behaviour is sexual harassment or not, is also considered to be an important factor by the courts. Through this explainer, survivors can understand the different ways to report an incident of sexual harassment or assault, even if it happens online and how the law can help them.

    What are the laws being discussed?

    This explainer discusses the legal provisions in the:

    • Indian Penal Code, 1860 for the prosecution and punishment of a person committing any sexual crimes. 
    • Information Technology Act, 2000 for online crimes
    • The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 for sexual abuse of children and
    • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 for workplace sexual harassment. 

    In this explainer, we have covered only the provisions of the law where women have the right to complain against sexual harassment. To explore more on violence against LGBTQI+ persons, you can read our explainer on Violence based on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation.

    What is Sexual Harassment?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] Sexual harassment can happen in several ways. Actions such as following a person on the streets or in any public space, peeping into their bedroom, making sexual gestures at them while they are at workRead more

    0 comment | 1

    How is Invasion of Privacy a Sexual Crime?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] Everyone has a right to privacy1. This means that anyone can do anything, sexual or not, thinking that no one is watching them (provided that it shouldn’t be illegal). Under the law, only a manRead more

    0 comment | 1

    What is Stalking?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If a person repeatedly follows, contacts or monitors someone despite their disinterest or lack of consent, it is known as stalking. Stalking is a term used for numerous activities done by a person, which whenRead more

    2 comments | 2

    What is Physical Stalking?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] It is a crime to physically stalk someone, i.e. someone tries to follow a person wherever they go and contact them even after they have expressed their disinterest. er Under the law, only a manRead more

    0 comment | 1

    How does Stalking over the Phone Happen?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If someone repeatedly contacts a person through calls or texts by the means of a telephone, then, it is a crime under the law. Under the law, only a man can be punished for theRead more

    0 comment | 1

    How do I know if I am Being Stalked?

    By Nyaaya | 21 February, 2021

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

    0 comment | 0

    What is Cyber Stalking?

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    If someone persistently monitors or follows a person’s activity on the internet through email, social networks and instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp etc. it is a crime of cyberstalking.1. Some of the common forms of cyber stalking are2: Persistent contact by someone on different modes of social media, for example, WhatsApp and Facebook. UsingRead more

    0 comment | 1

    What are Sexual Remarks and Threats?

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If anyone says anything sexual to or sexually threatens a person, it is a crime under the law. Under the law, only a man can be punished for the crime1. Some examples of sexual remarksRead more

    0 comment | 1

    What are Sexual Gestures

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If anyone makes any sexual gestures that are insulting and sexual in nature, it is a crime. Under the law, only a man can be punished for the crime1. Some examples of sexual actions andRead more

    0 comment | 1

    What are Sexual Favours or Demands?

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If anyone asks fors or demands any sexual favours from a person without their consent and despite their disinterest, then it is a crime. Under the law, only a man can be punished for theRead more

    0 comment | 1

    What is an Inappropriate Sexual Touch?

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If someone inappropriately touches a person with a sexual intention, it is a crime under the law. The touch may or may not be forceful, but the perpetrator will still be punished for their actions.Read more

    0 comment | 1

    What is Forceful Sexual Behaviour?

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] There are many forms of forceful sexual behaviour that a person might encounter. Some of them are: Forcefully Removing Clothes  Whenever someone forcefully removes or tries to remove a person’s clothes, it is a crime.Read more

    0 comment | 1

    How do you Complain against Sexual Crimes?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    You can complain to the following authorities: Police Go to Police Station An FIR can be filed at any police station or the one nearest to where the crime happened. Anyone, including a friend or relative can also file an FIR on a survivor’s behalf. However, at the time of reporting, the survivor will haveRead more

    0 comment | 0
    Filter:AllUnanswered
    What can I do if the police refuse to file my complaint against a sexual crime?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 2 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    255 views1 answers0 votes
    If a person is accused of stalking, will he get bail?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 2 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    262 views1 answers0 votes
    My boyfriend tried to forcefully remove my clothes while we were in the privacy of our room. Does the law still protect me?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 2 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    258 views1 answers0 votes
    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?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 2 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    252 views1 answers0 votes
    Since invasion of privacy is considered an offence under the law, in what situations can I expect privacy?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 2 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    270 views1 answers0 votes
    If my husband and I have been separated through a Court order, and he tries to forcefully have sex with me, can I file a complaint against him?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 2 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    284 views1 answers0 votes
    At what point will an FIR become a court case?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 2 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    263 views1 answers0 votes
    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?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 2 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    285 views1 answers0 votes
    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?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 2 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    267 views1 answers0 votes
    Is whistling to a woman sexual harassment?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 2 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    228 views1 answers0 votes
    376 of crpc
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 5 months ago • Sexual Crimes
    157 views1 answers0 votes
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    Nyaaya - India's Laws Explained
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      • Discrimination
        • Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Persons
        • Identification Proof for LGBTQ+ Persons
        • Manual Scavenging
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        • Violence Based on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
      • Family
        • Adoption
        • Care for Parents and Elderly
        • Child Marriage
        • Domestic Violence
      • Government and Politics
        • 48 Hours Before Elections
        • Anti-Corruption
        • Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
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        • Right to Information
        • Sedition
        • Voting and Elections
      • Health and Environment
        • Abortion and Sex Selection
        • Contraceptives
        • COVID-19
        • Drugs and Narcotics
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        • Mental Health
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        • Patient Rights
        • Sex Selection
        • Smoking
      • Marriage and Divorce
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