1. INTRODUCTION

Our country India, which is a mosaic of diverse cultures and traditions, also grapples with a harrowing reality or curse that taints its societal structure- the endemic prevelance of rape. This abhorrent crime, which is also shameless and brazen, is a human rights violation and destroys the dignity of the victim. Rape is a heinous crime that goes beyond geographical boundaries, societal divisions such as class, caste, religion, race.It may happen anywhere, at a bus stand, workplace, or maybe in our very own homes where we should all have the right to be comfortable without having to worry about being violated at all times. It is a lived experience, a narrative of pain, trauma and eye-opening horror which must be meticulously examined in order to get to the roots of this crime.

1.1 The Stark Realities In Number

The statistics only provide a numerical glimpse into the collosal nature of the issue. With or without the data gathered from a total of 28 states and 8 union territories in India, every woman knows that rape is mostly directed towards them. This is due to each of their personal experiences in their own lives, they have either seen a friend, family member, teacher, student, mom, daughter go through the same incident, or have experienced it themselves. Rape can occur due to several factors and it happens every day. It is reported by the NCRB or the National Crime Records Bureau's crime report in India that there were atleast 86 rapes everyday in 2021 and increased in 2022 as well[1]. Rape is a gendered violence where the perpetrators are mostly men and the victims are mostly women. According to Dr. Vageshwari Deshwal, who is also a feminist, academician, social activist and professor, rape is a power crime. She says that a reason why rape occurs is the desire to control. She further says that it is not due to the size of a women's dress that causes the crime. If a women wears shorts, she is raped. But if a woman wears a burqa, which covers her from head to toe, then also she is raped[2]. It is to be understood that behind every numerical figure lies an individual story, enduring the unspeakable, creating a tapestry of collective agony that demands our attention as citizens of our country.

1.2 Cultural Shadows and Veil of Silence

Central to this crisis, is a deeply entrenched culture of silence and stigma that shrouds rape in the Indian society. Due to factors such as patriarchy, it is naturally taught to the sons mainly in India that it is ok to treat a woman however he wants, as he is the head of the family. The survivors, burdened not only by the physical and emotional trauma of the incident, but also the societal judgement as this is one of the only crimes where the victim is blamed rather than the perpetrator. They are seen as failures after the crime and hence silenced in fear of ostracization, and in fear of bringing shame to the whole family as they are no longer pure. They are not allowed to seek help or to get the closure that they deserve. However, this has slowly been changing, more and more women have finally started speaking up and even started protests in order to prove a point. An example of one of the protests started by a global campaign against sexual assault and harassment, was called the MeToo movement. This movement made its way to India and peaked during 2018. This is when more and more women started joining the movement and speaking up against men in positions of power.

1.3 Legal Hurdles in Pursuit of Justice

Section 376 of the IPC or Indian Penal Code states that whoever commits rape shall be sentenced to imprisonment to not less than 10 years and sometimes even to imprisonment for life. Not only for common people but also for social workers, police, army and public servants, providing different punishments for each[3]. This law also covers punishment for repeated sexual assault on the same victim and assault by minors. Another law, that was brought into action by the Indian legislation in 2012 was the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences 2012, was for the protection of children, ages under 18, against sexual offences. Not only physical assault is covered in this act, but also child pornography and grooming. Punishment again, ranges from not less than 10 years to maybe life imprisonment in some cases. Section 3(3) also states the fine to be paid for medical expenses or rehabilitation of the victim[4].

1.4 Shared Responsibility and Holistic approaches for development

Education emerges as a pivotal agent for change in the prevention of rape. A comprehensive sex education, rooted in principles of consent, respect, gender equality, stands as a beacon for the transformation of society. The revolution of porn has ruined the minds of millions of young children. Simultaneously, urgent legal reforms are essential to expedite trials, safeguard survivors, and ensure severe penalties for offenders. The establishment of robust support networks, manned by trained professionals and counsellors, is equally critical in aiding survivors on their tumultuous journey to healing. The onus to combat this curse rests upon every citizen's shoulders. Through fostering empathy, clamoring for unwavering justice, and advocating for a society founded on respect and equality, collecting endeavours can pave the way towards a future liberated from the blight of rape.

2. CONCLUSION

The issue of rape requires immediate, concerted, and unwavering efforts across multiferous domains. A united, resolute endeavour holds the promise of sculpting a society where every individual thrives in security, respect and emancipation from the haunting spectre of this abominable crime.

3. CITATIONS

1. 1.Offences against women per hour in 2021, available at (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-lodged-average-86-rapes-daily-49-offences-against-women-per-hour-in-2021-government-data/article65833488.ece), last visited (11-12-2023).

2. 2.What causes rapes,available at (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/legally-speaking/what-causes-rapes/), last visited (11-12-2023).

3. 3.Section 376 IPC, available at (https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_23_00037_186045_1523266765688orderno=425#:~:text=(1)%20Whoever%2C%20except%20in,also%20be%20liable%20to%20fine%5D.), last visited (11-12-2023).

4. 4.Protection of Children from Sexual Offences 2012, available at ( https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_13_14_00005_201232_1517807323686sectionId=12851sectionno=2orderno=2), last visited (11-12-2023).