Breaching the Citadel – The India Papers

This collection features innovative research on sexual violence and impunity in India, addressing topics like medical protocols, legal systems, and historical contexts, while highlighting the connections that allow perpetrators to act unchecked.

Breaching the Citadel – The India Papers is a significant contribution to the Sexual Violence and Impunity in South Asia series, supported by the International Development Research Centre, Canada. This volume places a spotlight on India, presenting innovative research that delves into the complex issues surrounding sexual violence and the culture of impunity that often accompanies it. The book features a diverse array of both emerging and established scholars, each contributing valuable insights into various aspects of this pressing social issue.

The essays compiled by Urvashi Butalia explore a wide range of topics, including medical protocols related to sexual violence, the legal framework's effectiveness, and the psychosocial factors that contribute to a culture of impunity. The book also addresses historical contexts of sexual violence in regions such as Kashmir, as well as the role of media and sectarian violence in shaping public perceptions. Each contribution is the result of rigorous comparative research and peer-reviewed workshops, ensuring that the content is both credible and relevant to contemporary discussions.

By uncovering the connections between sexual violence and the institutional structures that allow perpetrators to act without consequence, Breaching the Citadel challenges readers to rethink the dynamics of power and accountability in society. This groundbreaking work not only enhances academic discourse but also aims to inform policy and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing and reducing sexual violence in India and beyond.