The Rape Culture
Rape - what is it? Originating from the
Latin word “Rapere” meaning to snatch, grab or carry off! The meaning “to seize
by force” came into light only in the 14th century.
Now, this word is deep rooted in the societies and in some form or other,
within marriage or outside, the “sexual violation by force” continues.
By definition, any form of sexual assault which could involve
penetration into a person without his/her consent. Ideally carried out
forcefully, rape is always an unpleasant experience which almost always
destroys the inner self respect and confidence of the human being. In most of
the rape cases, the person committing the crime is well known to the victim and
that’s what crushes the trust more.
Rapes are crimes against humanity and have much more deplorable
effect than even war! People raped, become so traumatized that they could also
develop stress disorders. The victims faces abuse on the hands of the rapist
too. Obviously sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy are other side
effects of this heinous crime.
Humans have reached the lowest levels and now rapes are not
uncommon even with a six week old baby! Law is absolutely different with the
age-of-consent. The age varies from 11 in Nigeria to 21, in Bahrain! Frankly
its difficult for me to gauge why the difference of 10 years in such a crucial
age decision. However, any sexual assault that happens without consent or when
the victim has not attained the “Age-of-Consent”, its rape!
Another situation where the person committing the crime, assume
the victim has the approval. He/She forces or threatens the victim. This
situation is called Duress. Blackmail, abuse of authority are all
forms of duress.
Martial Rape is a different story! Spousal rape is legal in most
countries. And in many case, people remain silent.
A six-week-old Northern Cape infant, who was
raped in 2013 by her 24 year old uncle, is the youngest victim of such a crime
to have reached the courts. How can anyone be sexually aroused by a six week
old infant? Seriously, heights of sickness in people!
This article comes in as Supreme Court of
India passed verdict on Nirbhaya case which had stirred a tsunami across the
whole nation. Way back in the chilling month of December, Delhi and the entire
nation woke up to the news of the rape and murder of a 23 year old lady. She
was beaten, gang raped, and tortured in a private bus in
which she was traveling with her friend. The nation froze in the terror assault
on the young lady. There were six people in the bus, including the driver, who
took turns to rape the woman and beat her friend. They inserted rods into her
private parts. Wonder what was going on through their heads. Sick, insane?
Eleven days after the assault, she was transferred to a hospital in Singapore for emergency treatment, but
died from her injuries two days later.
Thankfully, people roared back. The incident generated widespread national and international
coverage and was widely condemned, both in India and abroad. Public took to the
roads to protest and ensure some punishment to the guilty. How can such a
pathetic crime happen to someone in the very heart of the capital of India?
Isn’t it such a shame? The case came up as “Nirbhaya”, which means fearless.
Her death brought in more unrest. People were
starting to lose patience. Obviously, it meant women are not safe. Not in
Delhi, not anywhere else. Police didn’t leave any stone unturned. They accused
were all arrested within a day and proceedings started. Three days
after the death of the victim, police charge sheeted the five adults. One
was prosecuted as a minor since he had not attained the age of 18! Such a poor,
innocent boy, who committed such a crime! Unimaginable! No leniency was
absolutely required. However, whatever the law says is what we got to accept.
As for the other five, the Delhi High court
deemed it correct to hang all the accused in September 2013. One lucky one,
died while in jail. But the other four, they appealed in the Supreme court of
India. For heaven’s sake, didn’t you have any shame to even appeal? As the law
of our country works, Supreme court stayed the lower court orders on 15th March,
2014. However, today, the 5th of May 2017, the Supreme Court
accepted that the decision taken by the Delhi high court was absolutely
correct.
The Supreme court defined the crime as – “The casual manner with which she was treated
and the devilish manner in which they played with her identity and dignity is
humanly inconceivable. It sounds like a story from a different world where
humanity has been treated with irreverence.” It was defined as bringing a Tsunami of shock! It’s indeed a
victory of the rule of Law and of the people who have so much faith in the law!
Today finally the Nirbhaya’s soul must be at peace. May her family have the
courage to live on. Hats off to the fi ghting spirit of the family and all the
people of India who stood together and fought for Nirbhaya!
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