ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses rape as an atrocious form of violence faced by women. It depicts the discourse of law against rape in India, and in the process, a critical analysis is carried out on the construction of the law, contradictions in laws and problems related to inadequate implementation of rape laws. While briefly addressing several forms of rape, the chapter highlights two forms of rape i.e., rape within marriage or an intimate relationship and rape outside marriage, in illegal spheres. The chapter, while drawing inferences from primary data generated from Karnataka and West Bengal, makes a critical analysis of the rehabilitation policy, welfare initiatives like one-stop centres, and other policy measures taken towards ensuring the rights of women subject to sexual violence. The chapter discusses various challenges faced by rape survivors in receiving justice through law and in availing policy benefits.
