The very mention of “rape” gives us chills and brings an immediate sense of unease because we hear this word way too often these days. When we hear the term, our minds instinctively question: Who committed it? Where and when did it happen?
Was it just rape, or did murder also accompany it? Sadly, this word has become disturbingly familiar. Our ears have become accustomed to hearing about such incidents almost every other day, occurring across the globe.
So, what do we do in response—we read the news, share it with friends, upload a heartfelt post, and close our social media apps, waiting casually for the next notification ping.
Some may stage protests and light candles in front of the victim’s photo. But after the notifications stop, after the candles melt and their light fades, our faint hope for justice and change fades with it. By the next day, we move on, awaiting the same tragic news, but this time with a different victim.
Concern about safety
Rapes are not only committed by strangers; they are often perpetrated by those close to us, even within our families. Are we truly safe by avoiding dark alleys and staying under our roofs? The answer is no.
We are not safe even in our own homes. We may be unsafe around our brothers, cousins, uncles, or even fathers. It sounds appalling. But this is our harsh reality. We are surrounded by such dangers and are forced to coexist with them. Ironically, because of this, we start to lose faith even in those who mean well.
Rape is an unlawful act of sexual intercourse, inflicted through force and without consent. It can take place in any form, anywhere, and affect individuals of any age. Spousal rape, date rape, gang rape, prison rape, child rape, statutory rape, same-sex rape, the list goes on, and they happen everywhere. From infants to the elderly, everyone is vulnerable, surrounded by these monstrous desires.
Rape has become a devastating global issue that continues to haunt the world today. Despite the frequency of these crimes, 97 per cent of rapists will never see a day in prison. This statistic is heartbreaking, given the sheer number of victims affected. Many rape crimes go unreported due to fear and shame, which worsens the situation by allowing the victim’s suffering to continue while the perpetrator remains free to harm others.
Need for addressing the issue
Some rape victims are murdered, and those who survive often face lasting physical and mental health issues. These traumas can lead to severe depression, suicidal tendencies, and other tragic consequences. Worse still, survivors are often met with cruel judgements such as “You were dressed provocatively,” “You probably deserved it,” “You should have been more careful about your friends,” or even “Didn’t you enjoy it?” Victim shaming, rape denial, and the objectification of women persist. As such, rape remains an underexplored topic that desperately needs to be addressed.
It is time to focus on rape prevention and find concrete solutions for its elimination. Schools and colleges should introduce self-defence classes, raise awareness, and educate students about rape and sexual violence. Survivors deserve support and belief, and strong laws must be enacted against sexist jokes, harassment, and even minor forms of violence. We must speak up against any harassment we witness, whether it happens at work, school, home, or in public spaces. Tolerance only enables these crimes to persist.
Together, we can help reduce this overwhelming problem. Although we may not eradicate it on our first attempt, our efforts will make a difference, no matter how small. Above all, rape survivors should be empowered to choose the punishment for their perpetrators. After all, no one understands the need for justice better than those who have suffered through such brutal experiences.
