Violence against women in India remains one of the most pressing social issues today. It is deeply woven into the country’s patriarchal fabric. Despite stringent laws and media attention, the systemic nature of rape culture in India persists. It affects women from all walks of life. The term rape culture refers to the societal norms and attitudes that normalise, excuse, or even condone sexual violence. It leads to the continued prevalence of such crimes.
But how do we dismantle this culture? And what role do society, media, and policy play in perpetuating or combatting these harmful ideologies?
Understanding rape culture in India
Rape culture thrives on victim-blaming, toxic masculinity, and entrenched gender norms that restrict women’s freedom. The NCRB reports that over 31,000 cases of rape were reported in 2022. It also mentions that many more cases likely go unreported due to fear of social ostracisation or mistrust in the legal system. What is alarming is that 89% of rape cases involve perpetrators known to the victim. It reflects the extent to which violence hides behind the closed doors of homes and intimate relationships.
From catcalling in the streets to victim-blaming in courts, rape culture is pervasive. Indeed, laws such as the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 have helped in tightening the legal framework. However, they alone cannot tackle the social norms that fuel violence against women.
Combatting rape culture in India: Mindsets must change
If we are serious about combatting violence against women, we must go beyond legislation and focus on cultural change.
Promoting consent culture
The Indian society, at large, poorly misunderstands the concept of enthusiastic consent. Consent must be clear, ongoing, and given without pressure. By integrating consent education into school curriculums and through public campaigns, we can start shifting societal attitudes towards healthier, more respectful relationships.
Challenging toxic masculinity
The stereotype of men as dominant, emotionless beings who exert power through control. Unfortunately, violence is at the heart of rape culture. Men, too, suffer under the pressures of these rigid gender norms. We must challenge the notion of masculinity that equates strength with aggression. Moreover, we must encourage boys and men to express vulnerability, empathy, and mutual respect in their relationships.
Erasing victim-blaming narratives
Far too often, we hear questions like “What was she wearing?” or “Why was she out so late?” following incidents of sexual violence. These narratives not only excuse the perpetrators but also further traumatise survivors. A media shift towards portraying victims with dignity, focusing on the crimes rather than the victims’ choices, is crucial in dismantling rape culture.
Intersectional approaches to violence
Violence against women is not homogenous. Dalit women, transgender individuals, and women from economically marginalised groups face even greater vulnerabilities. A genuinely inclusive fight against violence must recognise the intersectionality of oppression. It must focus on protecting all women, irrespective of caste, class, or sexual orientation.
Addressing rape culture in India through media and content
At Changeincontent.com, we advocate for the power of media in shaping societal narratives. From films to news coverage, the way we portray violence can either challenge or reinforce harmful stereotypes.
Consider the romanticisation of stalking in Bollywood films or the portrayal of women as submissive, reinforcing gender stereotypes. Such content sends damaging messages to both men and women about what is acceptable behaviour in relationships.
We need more content that represents the diverse realities of women, free from stereotypes. It means inclusive stories that portray women not as victims or objects but as agents of their own lives. Media must take responsibility for its role in either perpetuating or dismantling rape culture. Imagine films, advertisements, and books that foster respect, empathy, and equality, leading the way in shaping the narrative of a safer, more respectful society.
Creating safe spaces: Urban planning, digital safety, and workplace reforms
One of the most immediate ways to combat violence is to ensure safe public spaces. We must design cities with women’s safety in mind. It means better-lit streets, accessible public transportation, and surveillance in vulnerable areas. Initiatives like SHE Teams in Telangana, which patrol streets and respond to complaints of harassment, should be replicated across the country.
In the digital space, women face increasing threats in the form of cyberstalking, revenge porn, and online harassment. Stronger cybersecurity laws and more effective reporting mechanisms must be in place to protect women from digital violence.
Workplace safety is another pressing issue. The POSH Act provides legal protections. However, many women fear reporting harassment due to the potential for professional repercussions. Companies must not only comply with legal mandates but also cultivate cultures of accountability and support where women feel safe to report incidents without fear of retribution.
Changing the narrative: Collective responsibility
Ultimately, combatting violence against women requires a collective societal effort. Legal reforms, urban planning, media representation, and education systems all play a role in creating environments where women can live without fear. But beyond institutional changes, there must be individual accountability. Men and women alike must be active participants in dismantling rape culture. They can do so through everyday actions like calling out sexist behaviour, supporting survivors, and standing against violence in all its forms.
At changeincontent.com, we believe that the narrative must shift away from gendered stereotypes and towards a more inclusive, empathetic society. Treating symptoms is not enough; we must change the way we think, speak, and act.
Rape culture will only be dismantled when we collectively commit to reshaping the content we consume, the stories we tell, and the values we uphold.
Conclusion: The fight against rape culture in India
While laws and policies provide a framework for addressing violence against women, the deeper battle lies in changing hearts and minds. As we continue to combat the structural and systemic aspects of rape culture, let us also commit to reshaping the content and narratives that inform our everyday lives.
By advocating for media that empowers, fostering cultures of consent, and creating safe public spaces, we can collectively build a future where violence against women is no longer tolerated—and where every woman can live free from fear.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
