Ria Kapoor, 27, a journalist says, “Being a woman and a news writer, not only do I consume news, I also actively work on it all day. So when I used to write about rape and molestation cases, unintentionally also my mind would just explode at the thought of being fearful all day long. It got to a point where I could not take any cabs or autos - because news started impacting me so much. If I did take cabs, I would send my location to trusted friends and family who could reach me in case something happened. I also saw a rise in my OCD behaviours and panic attacks when it came to be out in the world with this fear. Every wrong turn a cab driver would take, my mind would spiral really bad.”
Sharing her fear and anxiety, Mansi Agarwal said, “It's exhausting to be in paranoia all the time. Reading such cases and knowing how easily it could have been me or someone I know is scary. It prevents me from doing simplest things like travelling alone or walking in the park. It's a tragedy that this has become normal for women.” Athira Sasidharan, 27, said that she’s been hesitant about leaving the house and super cautious in autos, metros, or cabs. She said, “I’m constantly on edge, struggling with trust issues and feeling like I can’t let my guard down for even a second.” Sirali Gupta, 25, who has just moved to a new city says, “I feel as a woman I am always looking everywhere thinking danger is around me. Especially since I'm in a new city, I feel more unrest and scared of such heinous scenarios.”
Debaroti Adhikary, 24, feels similar fears creeping in not only when she’s out but even at home. She said, “Every delivery guy seems to be shady now, every auto driver seems to turn their mirror deliberately towards the back, leaving me in constant fear and anxiety.” Meera (name changed) does not let her three-year-old daughter out of sight even in the house as letting her play with her grandfather alone, does not seem to be a safe thought to her.
Women, including me, are constantly feeling the fear of being molested, may it be at the workplace, restaurant, a movie theatre and sometimes even at home. The rising number of rape cases in India is not just a legal or societal issue; it’s a severe mental health crisis affecting countless women. From news headlines to personal stories shared on social media, these violent acts echo through the lives of women, impacting their day-to-day mental state and sense of security.
To understand the impact of rising rape cases on women’s mental health, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Priyanka Kapoor, Psychologist, psychotherapist, Relationship and Family Counsellor, Mumbai. She explains, "It undoubtedly has an impact on your emotional state. It makes individuals feel fearful. Because there are so many rape cases occurring these days, people feel quite unsafe." For many women, everyday activities that were once taken for granted, like taking public transport or walking alone at night, have now transformed into sources of anxiety and dread.
Also read: Mental Health Matters: Expert Shares Tips To Cope With Existential Anxiety
Living in Constant Fear
The reality of increased sexual violence has driven a psychological wedge between women and their daily lives. Simple actions, such as going out for a walk or commuting to work, can now feel like daunting tasks. As Priyanka Kapoor points out, “Women who are always concerned about their safety may become more acutely aware of their own vulnerability as a result of high-profile rape incidents. Commonplace activities like taking public transit or going for a nighttime stroll alone can develop into really anxious situations.”
This hyper awareness can be mentally exhausting. Women constantly scan their surroundings, feeling on edge and expecting danger at every turn. Even those who have never been directly victimised often feel a collective trauma, overwhelmed by the suffering of others. “It can be mentally taxing for women to become excessively wary and hypervigilant of their surroundings, always on edge and expecting danger,” says Kapoor.
The Heavy Psychological Toll
For survivors of sexual assault, the emotional impact is even more severe. High-profile cases can trigger painful memories, flashbacks, and nightmares, plunging them back into their trauma. This can lead to symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and prolonged psychological distress. Kapoor elaborates, “Sexual assault survivors may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and symptoms of PTSD as a result of these cases triggering past experiences.”
Even those who have never personally experienced sexual violence can feel its impact. The sheer volume of these cases generates a collective sorrow, anger, and sense of helplessness. The continuous cycle of hearing about assaults and the lack of justice or adequate protection often leaves women feeling powerless. “The apparent lack of justice or sufficient protection may cause many women to feel angry and frustrated, which can exacerbate their mental misery and helplessness,” Kapoor notes.
Also read: Coping Strategies for Managing Panic Attacks: What to Do When Anxiety Strikes
Strain on Relationships and Social Connections
The anxiety and distrust that stem from these incidents extend beyond personal fears and can damage interpersonal relationships. Trusting others, especially men, can become a challenge. This can erode friendships and romantic relationships, making women feel even more isolated. Kapoor highlights, “Anxiety and fear can make it difficult to trust others, especially men, which can damage friendships and love connections among other people.”
Independent-living women, in particular, find themselves battling these fears both at work and in their homes. They feel a constant need for protection, as if danger lurks around every corner. The relentless exposure to frightening news stories and social media discussions can even lead to emotional desensitisation, a concerning psychological response where women become numb to violence. “On the other hand, women who are constantly exposed to such horrific news may experience emotional desensitisation and grow emotionally numb to violence—a worrying psychological reaction,” Kapoor states.
A Call for Support and Change
These mental health impacts highlight the urgent need for a societal shift. Beyond stricter laws and better enforcement, there is a crucial need for mental health support services tailored to women dealing with the fallout from these disturbing events. Creating safe spaces for women to express their fears and frustrations without judgment is essential in addressing the silent psychological toll of rape culture.
As the nation grapples with this crisis, it is crucial to acknowledge that the scars left by such violence go far beyond physical harm. They permeate the mind, erode the spirit, and shape the way women navigate their world—often with a heart heavy with fear.