Police Responses to Rape in Metropolitan India
-
Indian Institute of Forest Management
India -
RMIT University Australia
Abstract
Much of the published research on police responses to rape is located in the West. This study conducted in-depth interviews with three adult victim-survivors and 15 police personnel to explore police responses to rape in the metropolitan city of Kolkata, India. Using an intersectional feminist framework, a reflexive thematic analysis indicated both sensitive and insensitive responses and showed that police responses were often based on discretion rather than being guided by the law. Police responses were also shaped by occupational culture, the socio-political environment, the police–criminal nexus and media coverage. The research sheds light on the unique cultural context of policing rape in metropolitan India. It adds to discussions regarding women’s police stations and changes in policing to address sexual violence.
Except where otherwise noted, content in this journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Downloads
Author Biographies
Dr. Paribhasha Sharma is an Associate Professor in General Management at Jindal Global Business School in Sonipat, India. Her current research interests lie in the area of public policy and governance, urban management, gender issues in management and corporate social responsibility.
Dr. Gemma Hamilton is an ARC DECRA Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Justice Studies at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Her research focuses on violence against women and children, with expertise in family violence, sexual assault, policing, and forensic interviewing.