In scholarly literature and criminology, gang rape, also called serial gang rape, party rape, group rape, or multiple perpetrator rape, is the rape of a single victim by two or more violators. Gang rapes are forged on shared identity, religion, ethnic group, or race. There are multiple motives for serial gang rapes, such as for sexual entitlement, asserting sexual prowess, war, punishment, and, in up to 30% of cases, for targeting racial minorities, religious minorities, or ethnic groups. Gang rapes can be part of genocidal rape or ethnic cleansing campaigns.
Gang rape is a deeply concerning global problem that has devastating consequences for victims and communities alike. According to a 2019 study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, it was estimated that around 35% of women worldwide have experienced some form of sexual violence from non-partners, with gang rape being a disturbing part of this statistic. Additionally, national crime statistics from various countries further underscore the severity of the problem. For instance, in India alone, the National Crime Records Bureau reported over 32,000 cases of rape in 2019, many of which involved multiple perpetrators.
Gang rape represents a pervasive epidemic, with an alarming number of victims left traumatized and living in perpetual fear. The magnitude of reported cases signals an urgent crisis demanding immediate attention and comprehensive intervention.
Beyond the reported statistics, a silent pandemic of gang rape grips societies globally. Countless cases go unreported due to stigma, fear, and insufficient legal mechanisms, concealing the true scale of this pervasive atrocity that victimizes vulnerable individuals without consequence.
Gang rape is not isolated; it's a manifestation of systemic brutality. The profound physical and psychological scars inflicted on survivors underscore a deeply rooted crisis, demanding a radical reevaluation of societal norms, legal frameworks, and international cooperation to combat this egregious violation of human rights.
Some argue that statistics on gang rape are inflated, pointing to discrepancies in reporting methods and cultural variations in defining such incidents. They contend that the issue may be less widespread than suggested.
Critics posit that while any instance of gang rape is condemnable, characterizing it as a widespread epidemic may be an exaggeration. They argue that media sensationalism often magnifies isolated incidents, creating a distorted perception of the prevalence of such crimes.
Skeptics claim that existing legal frameworks adequately address gang rape, and societal awareness has improved. They believe that framing it as a severe issue overlooks progress in tackling sexual violence through legal means and social advocacy.