Consent, sexual violence and reproductive coercion
Consent must be voluntary and specific. Fear, pressure, intoxication, deception about the act, incapacity or abuse of power can make a situation non-consensual.
In this guide
What this can look like
Sexual violence can happen in marriage, dating, healthcare, institutions, workplaces, public places or online.
- Continuing after a person says no, freezes, pulls away, becomes unconscious or cannot understand what is happening.
- Using threats, housing, money, grades, employment, caste power, disability support or immigration status to obtain sexual access.
- Removing or sabotaging contraception, forcing pregnancy outcomes or withholding reproductive healthcare.
Why this is harmful
- Sexual violence removes bodily autonomy and can cause physical, reproductive, emotional, social and economic harm.
- Delayed disclosure, fragmented memory or continued contact with the person who harmed her do not make the experience less real.
Legal status is fact-specific
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita defines and punishes several sexual offences, including rape and sexual harassment, and contains specific rules and exceptions that must be read carefully.
Sexual abuse in a covered domestic relationship may also fall within the Domestic Violence Act. For anyone below 18, POCSO applies and reporting duties may arise.
Indian criminal law does not treat every form of non-consensual sex identically, including within marriage. Do not promise that a particular section, arrest or outcome will apply.
Safer next steps
Choose only what fits the situation. Safety, time, money, disability, family control and device monitoring can change what is possible.
Attend to urgent safety and health
Call 112 for immediate danger. Seek medical care when wanted; ask staff to explain each examination, consent, record and reporting duty.
Preserve choice
She does not have to decide every legal or relationship step immediately. A legal-aid or support service can explain options.
Limit unsafe contact
Use a safer device and trusted person if the person causing harm can monitor travel, messages or appointments.
How to support someone
The first task is not to obtain a perfect account; it is to restore safety, dignity and choice.
What can help
- Believe her and ask before touching, calling or sharing information.
- Offer medical, transport, childcare, accompaniment or legal-aid support without conditions.
What to avoid
- Do not ask why she was there, what she wore or why she did not resist.
- Do not force a police report or confrontation.
Words you can use
“What happened was not your fault.”
“You can choose what kind of help you want now.”
What families and institutions must do
Health services
Health services
- Provide respectful care, privacy, informed consent and clear explanations.
- Do not refuse urgent care because a police step has not occurred.
Police and justice systems
Police and justice institutions
- Use the procedures and accessibility protections required by current law.
- Prevent victim-blaming, unnecessary repetition and disclosure of identity.
Get help and practical support
Call 112
For immediate danger, urgent police, fire or medical coordination.
Pan-India emergency service
A call or app request may share your number, voice and location with responders.
Call Women Helpline 181
For information, support and referral concerning violence against women.
The official FAQ currently lists every State and Union Territory except West Bengal; response can vary locally.
Ask what will be recorded or shared before giving details when it is safe to do so.
Call legal-aid helpline 15100
Women and children are listed among people eligible for free legal services.
Eligibility does not guarantee a particular lawyer, remedy or result.
Sources and publication record
- Publication review
- Reviewed and approved by the project team
- Sources checked
- Jurisdiction
- India
- Review record
- Reviewed and approved by the project team. Official statutes and service sources are listed with the relevant content.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023India Code, Legislative Department
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023India Code, Legislative Department
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005India Code, Legislative Department
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012India Code, Legislative Department
- Emergency Response Support System 112Ministry of Home Affairs
- Women Helpline 181Ministry of Women and Child Development
- One Stop Centre schemeMinistry of Women and Child Development
- Free legal services and National Legal Aid Helpline 15100National Legal Services Authority