Why are rapes in India increasing day by day?

By: Ashwani Mahajan

One of the factors contributing to this rise is the absence of fear in the law. There is no consistent application of the law, and poor policing exacerbates the issue. According to the latest data, there were more than 31,000 reported rapes in 2022, and the true figure is likely much higher, as many such crimes go unreported due to a lack of faith in police investigations.

Another factor is economic vulnerability. The majority of Indian women are forced to use public transport, walk significant distances, and live and work in areas where they are at risk of sexual harassment. There is a lack of sexual education in schools and very poor policing regarding rape.

The main reason for rape stems from a person’s mindset, which can be influenced by movies, peer groups, families, or society at large. Without sexual education and spiritual guidance, it is difficult to combat the prevalence of rape. Different people can develop varying mentalities based on their surroundings. Rape and sexual violence originate in the mind, not in the genitals; signals come from the brain, leading to such actions.

Rape is the fastest-rising violent crime in India, and preventive measures are essential to mitigate this crisis. Individuals should avoid unsafe situations and strangers. If someone is being followed, they should go to the nearest police department or a safe location. In dangerous situations, yelling or screaming can help attract attention. Carrying a whistle that produces a loud noise is advisable. It is also important to stay in well-lit areas and away from bushes and entryways. Children should feel comfortable discussing any issues they face, whether with strangers, friends, or relatives, with their parents.

The rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata and other incidents in Maharashtra last month prompted widespread protests by women across India, who are furious at the persistently high levels of sexual violence, despite legal reforms and promised crackdowns. According to government reports, on average, one woman reports a rape every 15 minutes across the country.

Some argue that rapes occur due to the short and fashionable clothes women wear, but this argument is a myth. It is our collective responsibility to devise measures to curb this problem at all levels; we cannot leave our women to navigate an unsafe society. A British sociologist studied rapists in Indian prisons and identified three main reasons for their actions: 1) insecurity among men, 2) lack of awareness of mental illness, and 3) sexual deprivation and societal stigma towards sex.

Most rape cases go unreported because victims fear retaliation and humiliation, both in India and globally. In response to the rising number of rapes, the Government of India has implemented a fast-track system to expedite the prosecution of such cases. While this initiative was welcomed by some, its fairness has been questioned by legal experts and scholars. They argue that a fast-track system may not be just in a country where millions of cases are backlogged and there are insufficient judges.

The government should create strong awareness campaigns in schools to prevent rapes. Moreover, the general attitude of men towards women needs to change. Stopping rapes can be achieved with more stringent laws.