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“Rape Victims and Gender Segregation: An onset of media and society” was my last presentation at University. I had to say it was extremely nerve wrenching not because it was the last presentation but during my research, I found very disturbing aspects of society that led me to believe how messed up we really are.
The victims suffer in silence as some are killed while some prefer not to raise a word against their abuser due to many reasons. The graphic details of such horrific tales that only had tragic ending led me to believe that there are more savages in the world than sane human beings. I used to stare at the walls like a deer in headlights whenever I heard an incident of RAPE.
I really wanted to research more on this topic but months following the presentation I felt agitated and kind of swept it under the rug. This reality is slowly eating us. Yes, It won’t end but at least we should be aware of what is right or wrong so that we can save one life from absolute destruction.
Let us try to shift the focus from victim blaming to criminal profiling. Let’s talk about rehabilitation for the victims. I will tell you why it concerns me so much. I will tell you why RAPE should be discussed more and more. I will tell you why we can not prevent it. I will tell you why.
But first, Let’s look at this incident
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1126264/sixth-grader-accused-attempted-rape-6-year-old-girl-lahore/
Okay. So what really concerns me. A six-year-old victim or an 11 years old abuser.
A Beast In The Making:
Source; Daily Pakistan
What really went through the mind of a minor when he decided to do such a horrific act?
RAPE. Say it a little louder, please. Not because it exists but to believe it’s existence. Say it a little louder so that rapist knows what it’s like to leave someone tormented who get to live but dies a little every day. Say it a little louder so that the victims (regardless of gender) can speak their minds in real life.
Say it a little louder so that someone can stand up and shout, He did that to me or she did. Say it with confidence so that “opportunity seekers” should think before they act. Say it.
It’s all about crossing that line and that one who crosses it.
It’s not the 3-year-old or 6-year old who crossed the line. It is the person who did it. He is responsible. We have to spread THIS reality. Let our victims live in an air filled with hope, not fear and distress.
Victim’s Dressing and Character:
Source: BBC
Here’s what Mukesh (Convict of Dehli Gang Rape 2012) had to say when asked about the brutal attack:
“A decent girl won’t roam around at nine o’clock at night. A girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy,”
“Housework and housekeeping are for girls, not roaming in discos and bars at night doing wrong things, wearing wrong clothes. About 20% of girls are good.”
People “had a right to teach them a lesson” he suggested – and he said the woman should have put up with it. “When being raped, she shouldn’t fight back. She should just be silent and allow the rape. Then they’d have dropped her off after ‘doing her’, and only hit the boy,”
Due to the sensitivity of this whole case, I will not be going into details. I just have a few questions: Does a person ask for rape? What about boys who are abused by older men?
Source: Pinterest
If wearing ‘wrong clothes’ is the reason for abuse, then what about kids and what about the older women who are raped? By definition, Nobody asks for rape. RAPE
Even if it still not clear. Let me tell you again. NO means NO. NO was NO. NO is NO. NO was NO. NO will be NO. NO does not mean YES. Under any circumstance.
It’s not about a victim’s dress or their character, It’s about the rapist’s mindset. If you say, she was asking for it, tell it to a 6 years old. This is not a competition of suffering. Regardless of their age and gender, it is a cruel act. I don’t want you to leave the room when a news like this goes on air. I don’t want you to scroll down your news feed when a post related to sexual abuse comes.
I want you to think the question ‘why’ and look for answers. I want you to debate “what can we do” with your friends. I want you to discuss it with your family and then discuss it again. After you have done all this, reach out to communities, initiate support groups, and helplines. There’s a lot we can do and we can do it today.
Let’s save at least one life while we can. Let’s watch out for our neighbors. Let’s get to know a little about the drivers who pick your children from school, or the watchman of your society or the cook who makes delicious food for your family or the lone wolf who lives nearby and body really knows him or the shopkeeper who sells goods from dusk till dawn.
Source: Google
Let it be you who starts the conversation. We can not entirely prevent abuse from happening but let us keep our eyes open and be all ears when someone wants to tell us something. I assure you from these human beings you will find people who still hold good morals or god forbid monsters hiding in plain sights.
Can we really put an end to this? Will sex ed help at all, and if it can, then what about the street kids who don’t have access to basic education? Is raising a voice just a temporary solution? I don’t have answers to these questions but if we can save one life at a time that’s the first step.
Right now? It’s all about giving it a second thought and bringing it up to the conversation the next time you text you, friend!
