‘Public Power’ – The only answer to stop rape!
Wanna guess what is common between the infamous Jessica Lall murder case and the heinous Nirbhaya Rape case? Well, you have guessed it right! In both the cases, it was ‘Public Power’ that became a catalyst to punish the culprits. Though the culprits were wealthy and had high-level connections, but they all failed when the nation got united and came on the streets collectively fighting for justice. In a nutshell, the old proverb ‘Unity is Strength’ is the last and the best weapon to fight crimes against women.
It is laudable that the social media is rife with slogans and thought-provoking messages against the rise in crimes against women. However, the silver lining is that even if half the people on the social media who are waging a war against crimes involving women come together on the streets and raise their voice,then surely the graph of crimes against women will automatically come down. Remember,curbing crime against women is a herculean task and it cannot be conquered by a single individual or an NGO or a social organisation, but it requires a sea of humanity to come together and seek justice.
The battle for crime against women begins with the ladies. First and foremost,the ladies should act tough and not be bogged down under situations where they are being sexually harassed at the work-place or on streets or within the four walls of their house by a relative. Instead of keeping silent and bearing the horrifying sufferings for the sake of being disgraced, ladies need to break free the orthodox chains and be brave to expose their offenders (even if the criminal is their very own uncle or father!). If all ladies become daring and valiant, then no man will dare to tarnish their modesty.
Besides ladies, gents too have a responsibility to protect the modesty of ladies. When you see a woman being sexually harassed, it is the social duty of men around to help the lady. If you do not have the courage to counter the wrong-doer,then at least inform the matter to a nearby police station as a good samaritan. Remember, if you ignore a woman’s suffering and be a mute spectator,then the day will not be far off when these perverts may outrage the modesty of your own sister or wife!!!
And, last but not the least, parents play a vital role in encouraging the criminals as their silence to cover the crime helps the criminals escape punishment. This boosts their confidence and these perverts continue unleashing terror on ladies! Hence,instead of covering the crime from fear of society, parents must lodge a complaint as this will weaken the criminals. Secondly, keep cordial relations with your daughter so that in case of any crime your daughter fearlessly confides in you because she believes you to be her true friend.
The government is using all its powers to curb crimes against women like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, POCSO Act and the latest Death penalty for the rape of children below 12 years. But, the major hurdle in implementing these sentences is people’s fear to give evidence against the criminals!!! As a result, both the Law and the police are helpless, and the culprits go scot-free to continue their dirty game of tarnishing women’s modesty!
But,if the police administration and, most importantly, the society come together as they did in the Jessica Lall murder case and the Nirbhaya Rape Case then no man, however influential, will dare to sexually assault a woman as the ‘FEAR’ of ‘Public Power’ will dissuade them from committing such a crime!
