The Ongoing Struggle Against Rising Rape Cases in India
Despite efforts to address the issue, India continues to face a concerning increase in reported rape incidents with alarmingly low conviction rates. In the past decade, the number of reported cases has soared, reaching 31,500 in 2022 from under 25,000 previously. Shockingly, conviction rates have remained stagnant at around 26 to 28 percent, highlighting a severe lack of justice for victims.
Public outrage over rape cases is often selective, influenced by the social status of the victims. Cases involving individuals from marginalized communities receive little attention, revealing deep-rooted biases within society. However, the infamous 2012 bus gang rape case sparked widespread debate and helped break the silence surrounding sexual violence in India.
Concerns arise when judicial leniency and political rhetoric downplay the gravity of rape crimes, portraying convicts as victims themselves. This dangerous narrative threatens to reverse progress made in addressing sexual violence and further victimizes survivors.
With each passing case, India risks sliding back into a culture that prioritizes protecting perpetrators over seeking justice for victims. This worrisome trend not only highlights individual injustices but also reflects broader societal and political dynamics that favor power over vulnerability.
It is crucial to recognize and address this harmful shift in attitudes towards sexual violence, where perpetrators are erroneously equated with victims for political gain. Only by challenging these damaging narratives can India truly confront the prevalence of sexual abuse and work towards a more just society.
