Meaning Of Digital Rape, How To Fight It, Where To Complain

A few days back this became the latest trending news in India. When an 81-year-old man was arrested by the Noida police in Uttar Pradesh. He was held for allegedly committing a digital rape with just a 17-year-old teen for the past seven years.

As PTI reported, a police spokesperson said, “Accused Maurice Ryder has been arrested after an FIR was lodged against him under Indian Penal Code Sections 376 (rape), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation). He is accused of digital rape of a 17-year-old girl over the last seven years.”

Such cases are coming to light every day, and even few people exactly don’t understand the exact meaning of digital rape. Today in this article, we are going to discuss the true meaning of digital rape, the actions to avoid and fight it, and where you can complain about it immediately.

What is a Digital Rape?

Well, for a clear understanding you should know that digital rape does not define a sexual offence committed online or on a digital platform, for example: misusing the social media platforms to deface someone's identity. But it is specifically referred to as an offensive act when a person uses his fingers or toes to insert them into the other person’s private parts without consent. This offensive act consists of two words digital and rape, and here the digit means fingers, thumbs or toes. So that’s why this act is termed a digital rape.

This crime was accounted as molestation in India before December 2012 and not counted as rape. Then after the horrifying criminal act of Nirbhaya Gang Rape in 2012, revisions were made and a new law was passed in parliament, thus since that day, this act was considered a sexual offence.

After 2013 Emendation

With the emendation in 2013, a digital rape was incorporated under the connotation of rape in the Indian Penal Code. After this year a rape was not limited to the penetration of a penis of man into the private part of another person. But its meaning was extended to the “insertion to any extent” of any forte into the private parts which include the mouth, vagina, urethra, or anus of any person.

Punishment For Accused Of Digital Rape

According to Indian law, the punishment for this crime ranges from five years of jail to 10 years or even life imprisonment as per the severity of the case.

How To Avoid or Fight A Digital Rape Situation?

Be Alerted About The Drinks Or Foods You Consume

Office parties or night outs with friends are the situations in which you should be very conscious about the food or drinks you consume. Do not drink alcohol out of capacity, your motive should be to prevent yourself from losing your senses. Think twice before accepting the drink offered by someone out of your friend zone and don’t let another person surprise you.

Just Be Around Your Trusted Ones

While going out to bars, clubs or any other places where you can lose your senses easily, keep yourself around your trusted ones. Please don’t go out exploring these mysterious places on your own.

Keep An Eye On Suspicious One

Just take a look at your surroundings if anyone is reacting suspiciously. Keep your distance from an extremely nice person, who says “let me drop you home or Are you alone at this party.” Call the campus security if you sense something out of context.

Carry Defensive Items

Carrying defensive items while going out late at night is a mindful act. You can choose pepper spray, a small knife, keys, a tactical pen, or even a taser gun. They can all fit right into your purse.

Public Attention

Let people gather around you and shout like a beast if someone takes a hit on you when you are alone.

Self Défense

Doing a course on rape aggression defense will be the right choice to fight in these situations. Only a few basic exercises can also help you a lot to avoid being a victim.

Also read:

ITR Filing Is Necessary Under These Ten Situations

Whom To Call For Complaint?

These all are the women helpline numbers working across the nation:

• “Women Helpline ( All India ) - Women In Distress”- 1091
  “Women Helpline Domestic Abuse”- 181
  Police- 100
• “National Commission For Women (NCW) ( Domestic violence 24x7 helpline for Sexual Violence and harassment )”- 7827170170
• “Delhi Commission for women”- 011-23379181, 23370597
• “Delhi Women Protection Cell”- 011-24673366/ 4156/ 7699