International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 3 (May-June 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of May-June.

Invisible Victims: Rethinking Sexual Offences Against Men Beyond Alpha Masculinity in India’s Gendered Legal Framework

Author(s) Mr. Manas K Iyer, Mr. Desapriyan P
Country India
Abstract Sexual violence is widely acknowledged as a serious social and legal issue; however, discussions on sexual offences have traditionally focused on women as victims while overlooking the experiences of male victims. This research examines the issue of sexual offences against men within the Indian context, highlighting the social, cultural, and legal factors that contribute to the invisibility of male victimisation. Despite increasing academic attention, incidents involving male victims remain significantly underreported due to social stigma, rigid gender stereotypes, and cultural expectations surrounding masculinity. Men are often portrayed as strong, dominant, and emotionally resilient, which discourages acknowledgement of their vulnerability and discourages victims from reporting offences. The study analyses the historical development of gender roles, the influence of contemporary masculinity narratives such as “alpha” and “sigma” masculinity, and the impact of digital environments where harassment may occur. It also examines the existing legal framework, particularly the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, which expanded discussions on sexual rights and dignity. Through a review of existing literature and legal analysis, the study identifies key gaps in recognition, reporting, and legal protection for male victims. It further proposes solutions, including gender-neutral legal provisions, increased awareness, improved institutional support systems, and expanded academic research to promote a more inclusive approach to addressing sexual violence.
Keywords Sexual Violence, Gender stereotypes, Masculinity narratives, Male victimisation
Field Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On 2026-05-19
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.78973

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