Abstract
Background: Rape is a significant social and public health problem that has severe shattering effect on victims, including negative consequences on physical health, mental health, academic performance, and interpersonal and social relationships. It is important to know the perception and opinion of young people about the punishment of rape and increase transparency and one’s participation in the implementation of act.
Aim: To spread awareness and portray severity of crime by learning the perception of medical students towards the punishment given for rape accused and to examine dimensionality of rape attitudes and its law in youth.
Methods: Data was collected from 100 randomly selected medical students with the help of questionnaire and verbal discussion with them.
Results: All the students were in the age group of 18 to 24 years. Only 47% were aware about the exact punishment given for accused. Maximum (75%) participants feel that death should be the ideal punishment and it should be given immediately as soon as the accused is found guilty. Inadequate mentality and lack of sex education are considered as major causes that provoke a person to commit rape. Majority of the cases are not reported because of social stigma and family reputation.
Conclusion: Education is the most favored approach to sex related violence in the community. It is important to support every individual, as it plays a vital role in gaining media and government attention, which is a step forward for the betterment of the society, and soon towards the complete eradication of such social and public health issues like rape and sexual assault.
Keywords: rape, punishment, accused, medical students, perception