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 14^th 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 15^th March, 2014. However, today, the 5^th 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!