Solutions for Rape in India | Rajasthan, Hathras, Balrampur horror | Rape culture in India

 

Reports on Rapes in India are turning horrific with each passing day. Each time we think that it could not have been any worse, we have another case right before our eyes, probably ten times worse than the previous ones. Right from Nirbhaya, Disha to the recent Hathras case, Ajmer case, the Balrampur case, there has more than 15 cases registered in Rajasthan in 3 days, the list does not stop, because ‘atleast’ 4 rape cases are ‘reported’ every hour (according to an old survey). All these recent cases provoked my thoughts, which later led me towards thinking about possible solutions. But solution cannot be found without understanding the cause. And in cases like rapes (including most other crimes), the cause and solution go hand-in-hand, or, to put it in a different way, the cause (which led to the crime) itself is the solution. Let us know how it is so.

 

The most basic cause is ‘mind’ itself. It is the mind which the thought of committing rape (or any other crime) first generates, which ends up making the person act upon it. So, the solution can also be mind itself, where constant efforts must be put in order to change such thoughts. Not to forget, our mind is not just a reflection of self, but also is a reflection of the society. Society also equally plays role in shaping one’s mind since childhood.

 

Sensitivity

It all begins at home! I still witness families around me telling a male toddler to not cry because he is a male. Shaping the male child to not express his feelings, to not be sensitive and to overpower females (directly or indirectly), it all starts from there! According to me, if a child learns to be sensitive to every being in its surroundings, such crime rates ‘may’ reduce. It is sensitivity that bring in humanity in any individual. And it is the duty of parents and educational institutions to teach them this.

 

Moral values and ethics

Major lacking in today’s society is this. Nobody seems to have any social morals and responsibilities. Everyone seems to just be wanting more of basic survival needs (food, shelter, sex and money). And gaining them without having moral values and ethics lead to a terrible society - a society full of crimes, rapes and social injustices. It again comes back to educational institutions to teach young minds about these things. I don’t see institutions stressing upon building a personality. Everyone is in the race of building more marks. Also, nobody seems to be realizing the fact that one’s individual values and ethics need not hold good as societal values and ethics. Conflicts start when we apply our individual moral values into our social functioning and eventually end up in disbelieving the concept.

 

Self defense and sex education

Self defense ‘must’ become a part of the academics. Just like sports class or physical exercise class, there needs to be a separate class or period dedicated solely to self defense in every educational institution (need not be exclusively for girls because males go through rapes too. Just that it is not as much reported). Most importantly, this should happen once the morals and ethics are ‘set firm’ in a child’s mind. This can prevent one from misusing defense moves to attack others. I am aware that this just looks good on a paper, but I still believe that this can be a possibility. A good one.

Sex education should not be skipped in classes. The more we do that, the more misleading it is. Channeling their curiosity in a right way is important. If not done well, they always choose the wrong path. There is already enough content about sex education on the internet, so I refrain from talking much on this. Also, awareness on good touch and bad touch needs to be taught in primary classes.

These are some changes that we, as a society, ‘need’ to incorporate. I am hopeful that this can bring in some positive change in the long run.

 

As the famous phrase goes “prevention is better than cure”, these were some changes to prevent the crime from happening. But we must admit that the criminals are not going to wait until prevention happens. They continue to do what they do. In such cases we definitely need attempts to cure. The government pitches in here. It is high time that the government comes up with some strict rules for this. I know it is easier said than done. There are fake rape cases increasing and to prove a rape, there currently is no better procedure than court arguments. So this really is a difficult job. But that should not encourage the government to let things be as they are. Some results might be possible if a commission is set up, consisting of family members of rape victims who have fought their case in courts. Because, they would have experienced the reality. Their suggestions can be of great value in creating rules and regulations.

 

There are also studies that show legalizing prostitution helps reducing rape rates by 30-40%. Along with this comes removing stigma around prostitutes. They are human beings too.

 

I conclude with a gentle reminder that this problem arises from a thought. And it is not the government’s job to change your thinking. The job is yours and the effort must be from your side as well. Think about it. However, we can only reduce the rate of crime. Cannot completely remove it. Let us work towards a better society as much as we can. Also, share this with others if this got you thinking. It may get others thinking too. Thoughts lead to action after-all.