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SOCIETY IS SAFE FOR
WOMEN WHEN IT IS RAPE-FREE
By Sakshi Dutta
Women endure violence in some form or the other all the time. One of the most prevalent, underrated forms of violence against women is rape. This soul-crushing, most heinous form of violence has been normalised in our society so much so that it has become a culture of its own. In this article, I shall reflect on various dimensions of rape culture, mull over possible solutions to the problem in question, and conclude with a clarion call to girls and women to be brave and assertive.
Girls are not safe anywhere, neither in their homes nor in police stations—places supposed to be most secure for them. The average person reads and hears about five rape cases in a week as they flip through newspapers and television channels. But the reality is far grimmer because the media coverage does not represent even one third of the actual number of instances in which women are violated.
According to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) in 2018, the average rape cases per day was 91. This amounts to 33,356 rape cases, out of which 31,320 crimes were committed by someone known to the victim. That is, 93.9% of the cases involve perpetrators who belong to the familiar circle of the victim. The perpetrator may be in one’s own house, neighbourhood, school, college, or workplace.
Statistics shows that the average age of a rape victim ranges from 12 years to 24 years. But the bitter truth is that sexual violence does not have an age limit since even a five-month-old toddler is victimised.
Why does rape occur?
The blame for rape often falls squarely on victims themselves. People argue that rape occurs because of the way women dress and present themselves. If this is true, then what about a five-month-old toddler? In what way does she invite rape on herself? Therefore, the problem lies in the primitive mentality of the perpetrator and not in the way women present themselves.
As women, we often blame ourselves and our body for having had to suffer atrocities. I have heard many girls say, “Shit! I wish I had been born a boy.” Such a desire represents a self-aversion towards our own existence and identity as one important part of this human race. We should we apologise for being female? As girls, we are not weak; we are strong and beautiful in our own way.
Being a victim of rape or sexual violence is not your fault. Be bold enough to speak for yourself, open up to your parents or someone close enough in whom you can confide your problems. Never keep it to yourself.
Over 3.5 crore rape cases are pending in India. Let this disheartening fact sink in for a moment.
Yes, 3.5 crore pending cases. Do you think every one of those victims will get justice in time? No, not with the way our judiciary works. Many a rape victim is also murdered. Those who survive tend to commit suicide because of the guilt and social stigma. Only a handful of victims come out of it and continue to lead their life.
The burning question is whether and how rape can be stopped. The answer lies in the way society perceives and treats women. Until there is a significant societal change, women must learn to protect themselves.
Here are some measures to protect yourself
- Carry a pepper spray
- Try learning self-defence techniques
- Every school should have a period dedicated to self-defence teaching
- The knowledge of good touch and bad touch should be taught to every girl right from childhood onwards.
Never assume that “I am safe, why should I carry a pepper spray, why should I learn self-defence, nothing will happen to me.” Mind you, people around us are way more clever and cunning to trick us. So it is better not to let our guard down any time.
What do you do when someone is trying to sexually abuse you? The biggest mistake you might do is panic under such circumstances. Panicking would blank out our minds, which can lead to more danger. Try to hold your nerve and keep calm. Look around yourself. Try punching him on his face or kick him in the abdomen And run away as soon as possible. If you are in a crowded place, try seeking help. Inform your parents and elders about it. Do not think they will not understand. Do not think your freedom will be curbed if you confide in your loved ones.
Do not wait for change. Be the change that you wish to see!
