News India Broaden definition of rape, demand lawyers, activists

Broaden definition of rape, demand lawyers, activists

New Delhi, Jan 6: The 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist who was gang-raped Dec 16 suffered grievous internal injuries due to sexual assault with an iron rod that finally led to her death. Lawyers and activists are


"The violation of my body will be equally horrific for me even if it involves a foreign object and not rape," she added.

People who sexually assault a woman with a foreign object or finger often get away with a mild punishment - as in a court, rape is strictly related to penile penetration.

"If a man sexually assaults a woman but does not rape her, and there is no internal injury, he would be charged under Section 354, which is a bailable offence, and the maximum punishment is of two years," lawyer H.S. Phoolka told IANS.

Experts say society too needs to change its mindset and accept the fact that any kind of sexual violence against woman is rape.

"Rape is an exercise of power. one has to understand the psych of a rapist.. He wants to control and dominate the woman," said Grover, adding it was "unfortunate" that only penovaginal intercourse is considered rape.

"Any penetration is rape," she emphasised.

Her views were corroborated by Rebecca John, who said that quick action was required in the matter.



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