The fight against sexual violence in India is far from over. Every woman in our country has a fundamental right to safety, dignity and justice. Yet, incidents of sexual violence continue to surface, exposing the deep-rooted challenges in our societal structures. We must take decisive and solution-oriented steps to prevent such crimes and build a future where women and children are truly safe.
As the founder of PARI Foundation, I have dedicated my life to advocating for survivors of rape and sexual violence. On December 16, 2024, PARI took a significant step forward by convening the First-Ever National Convention on the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children. This landmark event marked a turning point in our efforts to combat sexual violence, bringing together policymakers, legal experts, civil society organisations, educators and survivors to discuss concrete measures for prevention, response and rehabilitation. At the heart of this initiative was the launch of “Agaaz”, a programme focused on a comprehensive, solution-driven approach to addressing gender-based violence.
One of the most pressing areas of reform is education. Schools and universities must play a proactive role in fostering gender sensitivity. Mandatory workshops and seminars should be conducted regularly for students, teachers and parents to create awareness about gender equality, consent and bystander intervention. Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) training must be compulsory for all school and college staff to ensure compliance with the law, while Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) training should be a requirement for all teachers and administrators, equipping them with the knowledge to protect children effectively.
Beyond just policies, schools should incorporate gender studies and emotional intelligence training into their curriculum, helping young minds develop respectful and healthy perspectives on relationships. Digital safety education is also critical, ensuring students understand the risks of cyberstalking, online harassment, and digital consent.
Understanding criminal psychology and the media’s influence is crucial to combating sexual violence. Research must be expanded to examine the motivations, triggers and behavioural patterns of sexual offenders, helping develop targeted prevention strategies. The media’s portrayal of gender dynamics must also be critically evaluated, with efforts to promote responsible storytelling that challenges toxic masculinity and harmful stereotypes.
Additionally, news reporting of sexual violence needs to be reformed. Sensationalised or insensitive coverage often leads to re-victimisation of survivors and reinforces rape culture. The media should follow ethical guidelines in reporting cases with dignity, ensuring that survivors’ identities and rights are protected.
Survivors of sexual violence need more than just legal justice-they need holistic support to rebuild their lives. Rape Crisis Centers (RCCs) should be established in every city, town, and village, providing medical, legal, financial and psychological assistance to survivors. Vocational training and educational support should be offered to help them regain independence and stability.
A national movement must be initiated to eradicate victim-blaming, shifting societal attitudes toward supporting and empowering survivors. Public campaigns should be launched to challenge myths surrounding rape, educate communities on the importance of believing survivors, and encourage bystander intervention to prevent violence.
Police reforms are equally urgent. The inefficiency and insensitivity of law enforcement often discourage survivors from reporting crimes. Dedicated emergency dial numbers should be staffed with personnel trained to handle sexual violence cases with empathy and efficiency.
First responders and forensic teams must adhere to strict protocols for evidence collection, post-mortems, and forensic investigations. Special Investigation Units (SIUs) should be created within police departments, comprising forensic experts, counsellors and legal advisors specifically trained to handle sexual violence cases. Mandatory gender sensitisation training for all police personnel must be conducted during induction and as annual refresher courses.
The workplace should be a space of safety and dignity for all, yet harassment and violence persist. POSH training and audits must be strictly enforced across all organisations, ensuring compliance with anti-harassment policies. Internal Committees (ICs) should undergo annual audits to assess their effectiveness in handling sexual harassment complaints.
Special protections should be introduced for women labourers and construction workers, ensuring access to safe working conditions, legal recourse, and healthcare facilities. Shelter homes for homeless women and children must be set up across urban and rural areas, providing them with a secure environment. Workplaces must offer safe and affordable childcare facilities to support working mothers.
The media and digital platforms wield immense power in shaping perceptions and behaviours. A nationwide ban on pornography must be considered, given its proven link to increased sexual violence. Research suggests that a significant percentage of sexual violence perpetrators have been influenced by pornographic content. OTT platforms must be subject to stringent regulations regarding the depiction of sexual violence, preventing the glorification of such acts. The media should actively promote positive narratives that challenge regressive gender norms and advocate for women’s safety and dignity.
At the same time, online safety laws must be strengthened to curb cyber harassment, deepfake pornography, and digital sexual violence. Social media platforms should be held accountable for removing exploitative content and ensuring survivor privacy.
While policy reforms and legal mechanisms play a crucial role in addressing sexual violence, true change will only come when society as a whole rises against this menace. ‘Women and Child Safety Mission 2029’ envisions an India where, by 2029, women and children can live free from the fear of violence. This mission calls for multi-sectoral collaboration, involving the government, businesses, media, educational institutions, law enforcement, and civil society.
I urge every citizen, policymaker, and stakeholder to join hands in this fight. We must demand swift and uncompromising justice for rape survivors and implement meaningful changes to prevent future crimes. Together, let us ensure that “Agaaz” is not just an initiative, but the beginning of a safer, more just India for all.
(The writer is rape victim activist & founder PARI Foundation; views are personal)
