A Socio-Psychological Analysis of Crimes Against Adolescent Girls in India: Causes and Consequences

Adolescent girls in India remain a particularly vulnerable group, shaped by the intersecting influences of age, gender, and socio-cultural context. Many of them face a wide range of violence in their everyday lives, from child-specific abuses such as corporal punishment and sexual exploitation to more adult forms of violence, including harassment, assault, and even intimate partner abuse. These risks often become more severe in situations marked by social instability or during times of economic and societal stress. Although legal protections are in place, the deeper socio-psychological realities of these experiences have not received adequate scholarly attention. This study seeks to understand both the causes and consequences of such violence through a socio-psychological lens. Using a descriptive and analytical approach, it draws on secondary sources, including government reports, crime statistics, legal documents, and existing academic literature. The findings point toward the powerful role of socio-economic inequalities and entrenched patriarchal norms in shaping girls’ vulnerability to violence, often leaving lasting psychological effects. These psychological experiences do not remain confined to the individual; they extend into broader social outcomes. Many girls face exclusions, interruptions in their education, and reduced opportunities to participate fully in public life. Considering these findings, the study calls for more holistic and coordinated interventions, ones that go beyond legal measures to include psychological support, stronger family involvement, and community-based efforts. Addressing both the root causes and the long-term impact of violence is essential to creating safer and more supportive environments for adolescent girls in India.