NCJ Number
122386
Date Published
1987
Length
126 pages
Annotation
This inquiry was initiated to analyze rapes that occurred in the Union Territory of Delhi, India, from 1960-1984 and incorporated data on all rape cases registered in 62 police stations.
Abstract
A structured questionnaire was devised to obtain information from police records on sociodemographic and characteristic features of rape victims and the rape phenomenon. Another questionnaire was developed to obtain information from rapists, and a self-concept scale was used to assess victim and rapist self-concepts. Most rapes were single rapes which occurred equally in all religions and castes. Rape occurred primarily among girls between 12-16 years of age, while rapists ranged in age from 20-24 years. Rape was particularly associated with summer months, and high-risk hours were between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Most victims were dependents, unemployed, or students, whereas most rapists were employed in lower level occupations. Both victims and rapists were predominantly from the lower middle and lower socioeconomic classes. Rape mainly occurred between neighbors and strangers living in the same area. There was a significant association between the place where the victim and the rapist met and where the rape took place. In only a few cases did the rapist employ violence. For 60 percent of victims, family members showed a more negative attitude after the rape instead of being sympathetic or considerate. Victims had significantly poorer self-concepts than rapists. Recommendations to help victims and protect society are offered. 47 tables, 18 figures, 298 references.