Safety of women remains a fundamental concern worldwide, with millions of women falling victim to the horrific crimes of rape and abuse each day

Safety is a fundamental concern worldwide, with the pervasive issues of rape and abuse affecting millions of women and girls daily. These heinous crimes have a profound impact, extending beyond the individual victims to disrupt families, communities, and societies at large. The consequences are not just physical or emotional but are also societal, leaving lasting scars that undermine trust and cohesion.

At the core of rape and abuse lies a complex web of societal attitudes and deeply ingrained power imbalances. Often, perpetrators use these crimes as tools of control, asserting dominance over their victims. The devastating consequences of rape range from physical injury to emotional trauma, social isolation, and even death. The psychological damage endured by survivors is difficult to quantify, and the ripple effects on society are immense.

A recent case that shook the conscience of the nation was the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital, Kolkata. This brutal crime recalled the infamous Nirbhaya case, igniting nationwide outrage. Yet again, it posed a critical question to both the central and state governments: Is the judicial system adequately addressing crimes against women? Are victims truly receiving the justice they seek?

Another notorious example is the 1992 Ajmer gang rape and blackmail scandal, where over 100 girls were blackmailed with obscene photographs, many subjected to gang rape. Justice, in this case, was only served 32 years later, with six accused sentenced to life imprisonment and fined ?5 lakh each. This shocking delay once again raises concerns about whether the Indian legal system is equipped to tackle cases of sexual violence effectively.

India, with its population of 1.5 billion, has over 750 fast-track courts designed to expedite justice. Yet, cases like the Ajmer gang rape, Nirbhaya, Unnao, and Balrampur drag on for decades. The slow pace of justice signifies a collective failure of the government and law enforcement agencies in a country that claims to be the world’s largest democracy. This begs the question: Do we need a judicial overhaul to ensure timely justice for victims of sexual violence?

The global landscape shows a diverse range of approaches to preventing violence against women. The UK, for instance, has recently passed a bill recognizing violence against women as a 'national security threat,' equating it with Islamist terrorism. Several European countries, such as Denmark, Iceland, and Switzerland, have adopted stringent laws under the umbrella of 'Zero Tolerance' policies, which even include the death penalty for those convicted of sexual violence. These examples offer potential models for India to consider as it grapples with its own crisis of gender-based violence.

Preventing rape and abuse requires a multifaceted approach, one that addresses the root causes of these crimes. Education and awareness programs about consent, healthy relationships, and respect are essential starting points. Engaging communities, especially involving men and boys in discussions around women's safety, can help shift societal attitudes and reduce the prevalence of such crimes.

Equally important is providing accessible support services for survivors, such as counseling and legal aid. These services are vital for helping victims heal and pursue justice. Policy reforms aimed at strengthening laws to protect women and ensure swift accountability for perpetrators are also crucial.

Empowering women and girls plays a critical role in preventing rape and abuse. This can be done by promoting economic independence, which helps reduce vulnerability to violence, and fostering safe spaces where women can report incidents without fear. Encouraging survivors to speak out against violence can help break the silence that often surrounds these crimes, lifting the stigma and encouraging others to come forward.

In today's digital age, technology can also play a pivotal role in enhancing women's safety. Innovative tools such as safety apps, which allow women to alert family or friends in emergencies, and online support platforms for survivors offer new avenues for protection and support.

Data analytics can help identify patterns and hotspots of violence, enabling authorities to target prevention efforts more effectively.

Ultimately, women's safety is a collective responsibility. It demands the involvement of individuals, communities, organizations, and governments. By addressing the root causes of rape and abuse and implementing solutions at various levels, we can create a society where women and girls live free from the fear of violence. It is time for decisive action. The protection of women should not be seen as an afterthought but as a fundamental pillar of societal well-being. Only by working together can we create a safer, more equitable world for all.

(The writer is a social worker and a RTI Activist; views expressed are personal)