“I think we have to start by humanizing rapists, not to downplay their actions but to face the fact that rapists are human. That makes the crime worse, not better. Humans have choices, and rape is a horrible one.” - Sohaila Abdulali
Rape is one of the most serious crimes that exists in society today. It is not only a physical assault but also a violation of a person's dignity, freedom, and basic human rights. Rape cases have become a major social concern over the years. Despite progress in education, technology, and economic development, incidents of sexual violence continue to occur in different parts of the country. Every reported case brings pain to the victim while also raising important questions about safety, justice, and social responsibility. Although many people believe that modern society has become more aware of gender equality and human rights, the continued occurrence of sexual violence shows that significant challenges still remain. Worse still, fear of judgment keeps many of these cases from ever being reported.
Today, discussions about gender equality are more common than they were in previous generations. Social media platforms, awareness campaigns, educational programs, and civil society organizations have helped bring attention to the issue. More people are now willing to speak out against sexual violence and support survivors. This growing awareness is crucial because social change often begins when people acknowledge that a problem exists and are willing to discuss it openly. Despite this progress, key obstacles still stand in the way. One of the biggest problems is underreporting. Victims are often silenced not by the crime alone, but by the dread of societal judgment and blame. In some cases, survivors worry that reporting the crime will damage their reputation or bring shame to their families. This fear prevents many people from seeking justice and paves the way for offenders to escape punishment.
Behind the thousands of crimes reported every year lies an unending wave of sexual violence affecting women daily. However, what most people imagine when they think of these crimes is different from reality. Because of movies and news stories, people usually worry about “stranger danger," the fear of an unknown person attacking someone in a dark alley. The danger is usually not out on the streets but even inside private spaces where women should feel safe. This fear of speaking out comes from a heavy cultural pressure.
In many parts of society, people still care deeply about family honor and social reputation. Sadly, when a woman is assaulted, society often blames her instead of the attacker. People will ask what she was wearing, why she was out late, or why she trusted that person. In some cases when the attacker has more money or power, the victim’s family might be threatened or ignored. This pushes the trauma underground and keeps people silent.
The government has created special fast-track courts and introduced punishments, including the death penalty for the worst cases. Strict laws mean little if the system fails to enforce them. A single trial can drag on for years, which completely drains a victim's willpower and money. Furthermore, out of all the cases that actually go to court, only about twenty-five percent end with the attacker being found guilty. The rest are let go, often because the investigation was weak or because defence lawyers used mean and unfair questions to confuse the victim during the trial.
Looking ahead, there is reason to remain hopeful. Young people are increasingly engaged with human rights and gender equality. Educational institutions are discussing these topics more openly, and many young people are actively advocating for social change. Technological advancements such as emergency helplines, mobile safety applications, and improved forensic methods can also strengthen efforts to prevent and investigate sexual crimes. The future potential for improvement is significant if all sectors of society work together. Governments can continue strengthening laws and institutions, educational systems can promote awareness, communities can foster supportive environments, and individuals can challenge harmful attitudes whenever they encounter them. Progress may take time, but meaningful change is possible through consistent effort and commitment.
More importantly, society needs a generational shift. We have to stop blaming victims, teach people about respect and consent, and treat a woman’s right over her own body as absolute. Until those basic mindsets change at home, safety will remain a distant dream for millions of women.
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Refusing to speak up only lets injustice win.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political, and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC-accredited, UGC-recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editorial team includes Tenipumei Phom, Asst. Professor Dept. of English, Limajungla Walling, Asst. Professor Dept. of Linguistics, and Munkiri Taro, Multimedia Executive. For feedback or comments, please email: [email protected]
