INDIA SAYS NO TO RAPE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Yesterday was ‘Black Saturday’, a day of mourning for India as the 23-year student died tragically after bravely battling brutal injuries from an unspeakable, ghastly gang rape in Delhi. My heartfelt condolence to her family. May her brave soul rest in peace. Her struggle and ultimately her unfortunate death has raised many questions about the crimes and violence faced by women and their safety in India.

More shocking news poured in even as protests were raging in Delhi, a 42-year old woman was gang-raped in Delhi, an 18-year old victim of gang-rape killed herself in Punjab after she was humiliated by the police; a 13-year old school girl was raped and killed in south Tamil Nadu.

How many of us know that every 20 minutes a woman is raped in India, but only 1 out of 10 rapes are actually reported! How many of us are aware that ultimately only 1% to 2% lodge an official complaint. Most of the victims return without lodging a complaint after being explained by the police about the investigation and trial procedure, and very often witnesses and victims turning hostile due to societal pressure and trauma.How many perpetrators get convicted is any one’s guess, and after how long, after how much more suffering and humiliation is undergone by the victim in the form of social stigma, isolation, character assassination, etc. The trauma of the whole misfortune is further aggravated when the authorities are not sensitive enough to respect the dignity and privacy of the victim while investigating a complaint.

What would be the statistics for all other forms of sexual violence such molestation, sexual harassment, eve teasing, etc, if this is the case for the extreme violence of rape? Most women I know have faced some form of sexual violence sometime in their life. How do we put an end to this deep rooted disease that has taken hold of our society?

The nation has awoken and said a collective NO to rape and violence against women. The prime minister and many women leaders have promised to bring changes to rape laws to ensure that justice will be delivered swiftly through speedy trials of rape cases, that perpetrators will be punished very strongly and shamed for their monstrosity, and that police will be educated to be more sensitive.

But to truly prevent violence against women, let each of us promise to make a change at our own homes. Let us teach the boys in our families to respect women, lets us remind them that women are not objects of pleasure, but are human beings who deserve dignity and respect. Let us decide that we will no longer be a part of the “silent majority”, but part of a majority that takes responsibility to support women wherever they are subjected to violence and harassment, beginning from our offices, market places, public places, and even homes.

Most importantly, let us all raise our voice in support of victims and against the abusers. A victim should not have to choose between suffering silently and being humiliated/isolated for speaking out. Silent suffering of the victims only encourage the rapists, abusers and other sexual offenders to continue their despicable activities undeterred. Victims must speak out to stop the perpetrators.

I hope the existing laws will be reviewed and stronger laws will be brought with the involvement of women’s groups who truly understand the plight of the victims. And it is equally important for the law makers and authorities to ensure that the victims will feel safe and confident that the perpetrators cannot simply use their money or influence to go scot free.

Will the most tragic and senseless death of a brave victim pave the way for a safer India?! Every woman in India would hope so.

http://aarthirao.blogspot.in/2012/12/india-says-no-to-rape-and-violence.html