I. Causes of increase in the rate of Rape: Cases of rape are increasing at an alarming rate in recent times. It is shocking but true that many women, who have gone to police stations to lodge complaints have been raped by the police themselves. The case of Mathura, a 16 year old tribal girl who was raped by two policemen in the station (custodial rape) created a uproar and brought forth wide spread protests from women's groups and activists from all walks of life. Increasing religious fundamentalism has also been the source of many communal conflicts and when religious fanatics set out on a mass rampage, women are generally targeted for sexual assaults. Can you believe that even the family, which is considered a 'safe heaven' is not ‘so safe’? There have been instances of rape of adolescent girls by male relatives in the domain for the household. 

II. Adverse effects of Rape upon the Victims of this crime:

(i) Rape causes not only bodily damage but also severe physical pain and psychological problems. Rape victims suffer both short term and long-term injuries. If a rape victim happens to be a child or an adolescent (can you believe that even infants have been raped) she may not even be able to understand what is happening to her or resist it. Incidents of sexual abuse in childhood can cause problems in adult life.

(ii) Child victims of rape, life adults have difficulty in forming inter personal relationships. The effects of the psychological torture undergone can be long lasting and sometimes stay throughout a victim's lifetime.