Impunity for Sexual Violence against Dalit woman in India

Abstract

This paper aims to eliminate sexual violence against Dalit people in India, who have long suffered under the caste system, and to make many people aware of the current situation. Inhumane discrimination against Dalit women continues even now. Research into the serious problem of sexual violence by upper-caste men against Dalit women has discovered a severe problem of low percentage and convictions. In general, constitutional and penal codes prohibiting violence by upper-caste men against Dalit women for sexual violations exist but do not function. Although laws require Indian police officers to conduct proper investigations, they are ineffective. This is one of the reasons why the problem is challenging to solve. There are also problems within the investigating police force. When police officers try hard to investigate cases involving Dalit victims, upper-caste people put pressure on them not to investigate. This negative cycle prevents Dalit women from solving their problems.