Psychology Behind Sexual Assault: Experts explain why some men commit such crimes

The Astha Kunj gangrape case has brought renewed attention to the factors that can lead some men to commit sexual assault. Psychiatrists and psychologists say there is no single explanation for such crimes. Possible factors include a sense of entitlement, deviant thinking, impulsive behaviour, poor anger control, belief that the law can be evaded and, in some cases, mental illness. However, experts stressed that none of these factors can justify or excuse sexual assault.

Impulsive behaviour and belief in escaping the law

Dr Rajiv Mehta, a psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told TOI that some sexual assaulters show personality deviations and may believe that they can avoid legal consequences. “They can be impulsive, impatient and have a low tolerance level. They may not think through the consequences before acting. They may have a false notion that they are above the law. They can be furious and quick to act. At times, they may also be under the influence of drugs,” he said.

Mehta said mental illness may also be present in some cases. He cited conditions such as mania and schizophrenia, while pointing to increased libido and risk-taking behaviour as possible symptoms associated with mania. “Mania can lead to increased libido, risk-taking behaviour and other symptoms. In this particular case, the accused was disturbing others and allegedly carrying a firearm illegally,” he said.


According to Mehta, greater awareness about mental illness is also needed. He said stigma around such conditions should be addressed because some behavioural problems can be treated with medication and counselling. “Behaviours have biological moorings and can be treated through medicines and counselling,” he said.

Sexual assault does not always involve mental illness

Dr Rajat Mitra, a professor of forensic psychology who has worked with survivors of sexual assault for more than two decades, said it would be incorrect to assume that every sexual assaulter has a mental illness.“However, they may have deviant thinking and ideation, and relationships are complex for them. In a normal relationship, intimacy develops gradually, after affection. But this does not happen for assaulters and they perceive the use of force against a woman as natural. Sexual assault also cannot be put into one category as each case varies,” he said.

Mitra also pointed to violence as another element in some sexual assaults. He said research indicated that about one-third of such assaults involve violent attacks, with some assaulters finding violence sexually arousing.

“Several assaulters have said they could not continue with the act because they could not avoid the face or the look of the victim. To erase the sense of innocence in the victim and keep themselves going, they indulge in violent acts,” he said. Mitra also questioned the use of the word “rape”, noting its historical origin and connotations. He said the term comes from the Latin word raptus, meaning to seize another man's property, and argued that such incidents should instead be described as sexual assault.

Social factors can also play a role

Dr Nimesh G Desai, senior psychiatrist and former director of the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), said several social and behavioural factors could contribute to sexual crimes. “Rapid urbanisation, rural-to-urban migration, sexual frustration, lack of fear of the law, and the influence of social media, added to innate urges, are factors that may drive a few men towards crime. However, none of these reasons is justified.”

Desai said sexual urges need to be channelled through socially and ethically appropriate behaviour. He also stressed the importance of awareness, protection and an effective justice system. “All men should be taught about this. All potential victims should be taught all forms of protection. A swift and equitable criminal justice system plays a very crucial role in prevention,” he said.

How entitlement and patriarchal beliefs may influence behaviour

Clinical psychologist and psychoanalytic therapist Pulkit Sharma highlighted another possible factor: narcissistic entitlement. He said some men may grow up with patriarchal beliefs that give them a sense of superiority over others. Sharma also pointed to the portrayal of certain male characters in films and social media.

“In Indian society, some men hold patriarchal beliefs that they are superior to others. In recent times, certain movies and social media reels have contributed to a return of the ‘primitive man’. A few years ago, such characters were portrayed as villains, but they are now celebrated in films and on social media.”

Sharma said this mindset can also affect how some men view women's independence and relationships. "some Indian men are unable to accept an independent woman socialising with her male friends. They may believe that they are entitled to have the same woman as well.”

He further said some offenders may not view the law as a serious deterrent if they believe that money or personal connections could help them avoid consequences.

The experts, however, stressed that these factors are explanations for behaviour and not justifications for sexual assault. They also pointed to awareness, ethical social behaviour and a functioning criminal justice system as important parts of prevention.

(Source: TOI)