Physical/Sexual Abuse
Physical assault
Under Section 351 of Indian Penal Code (IPC), any deliberate action that causes trauma or injury to another person through bodily force is physical assault. This includes domestic violence, child abuse, physical violence, and may also take into account sexual abuse. This is a criminal matter and the person accused shall be tried under the criminal procedure of IPC.
Sexual abuse
Under Section 354 of IPC, any forceful act used against a woman with the intention of outraging her modesty is punishable either with simple or rigorous imprisonment that can extend up to 2 years, or a fine, or both.
Sexual harassment comes under Section 354A of IPC. It includes the following acts committed by a man:
- Physical contact and sexual advances without consent
- Demand for sexual favors
- Explicit sexual overtures
- Showing pornography to a woman against her will
- Making sexually coloured remarks
Section 354B of IPC criminalizes use of force against women to disrobe her.
Section 354C of IPC criminalizes voyeurism, which is an act of watching or clicking photos or making a video of a woman, who is engaged in a private act, without her consent and without her knowing.
Section 354D of IPC criminalizes stalking, which is an act of following a woman continuously by a man or attempting to contact her or keep track of her even when the woman clearly has refused to build a relationship with that man.
Section 370 of IPC defines human trafficking, which is an act of transporting people illegally for labour or for commercial sex trade.
Section 375 of IPC defines rape by a man against a woman.
Benefits to choose service
Physical and sexual abuse are criminal matters. Please do not try to handle these cases on your own. Also, if the accused has hurt you, then he or she may try to hurt you again. It is better to choose a legal service so that the lawyer can strongly represent your case and help you get justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Rigorous imprisonment for 7 years or for life, plus a fine.
It ranges from 2 to 10 years, depending on the type of assault.
No. A person arrested on the charges of rape has no right to bail. In this case, he may need legal help in the form of an experienced lawyer who can represent his case and let him know what options he has in this case.
The first step is to call the police and lodge FIR and then call a lawyer. You must undergo a medical examination, if it is a serious abuse. For serious offences, you must not do without a lawyer.
Yes. However, under IPC, rape is defined as a crime committed only by men on women. But, a Times of India survey revealed that 38% of men across seven Indian cities agreed that “men are as vulnerable to sexual harassment as women” in workplaces.