On 16 December 2012, a heinous rape and assault of a 23-year-old woman (known as Nirbhaya, i.e. fearless) was committed by several men in a moving bus in Delhi. The gruesome nature of the act and the events that unfolded later resulted in massive nationwide outrage and protests. The Nirbhaya case impelled the Government of India to bring about the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013, which increased the ambit of sexual offenses and enhanced punishment for rape. The bill also provided for the award of death sentence in cases of repeat offenders and setting up fast-track courts for such cases. These gave a hope to the citizens that no such incidents will take place in future.
Once again, this has been brought out in the open by the bestial rape and murder of a 32-year-old female doctor of Kolkata. The tragic incident was marked by extreme violence and brutality, igniting widespread outrage and calling for action among the public and policymakers alike. Another incident became a headline from Uttarakhand during the outrage: a nurse was allegedly raped and killed while returning from a private hospital to her home near the UP border, bringing back dark memories of Unnao, Hathras, and others.
These incidents bring out serious lacunae in the existing safety measures and judicial processes, pointing toward stronger mechanisms of protection of women and more effective and timely law enforcing responses, with a faster process for justice. The case has now become a rallying point for calls for far-reaching reforms, from improvement in police training for dealing with sexual violence cases and strict implementation of existing laws to the creation of robust support systems for survivors. Indeed, this overwhelming demand for reform mirrors a sweeping call for systemic change with which sexual violence has to be addressed and such heinous crimes to receive swift and firm justice. According to NCRB data from 2022, India recorded nearly 31,000 cases of rape, showing a small increase over previous years.
The given data reflects high occurrence of the heinous crime and increasing tendency of victims to come out and report the crime. Despite this high number of reported cases, conviction rates are at a low level. The conviction rate for rape cases in India is now said to be about 27%, definitely reflecting the challenges that are still inherent in the judicial process. States like Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have reported higher numbers of cases, often attributed to factors like population density, social dynamics, and law enforcement efficacy. The annihilation of sexual violence and crimes against women will thus be through the toughness of death penalty for repeated offenders, dedicated helplines, and anonymous reporting systems, along with specialized training of law enforcers in trauma-informed care.
Crime against women should be investigated by specialized police units. Public awareness campaigns with proactive intervention training can educate and engage communities. This includes access to medical, psychological, and legal support through dedicated centers, aided by someone who can guide the survivor through the legal process. Programs on self-defense and community events may improve community safety. Engaging men and boys in the conversation of gender equality helps in shifting harmful attitudes.
While the government should indeed continue to review and enhance its laws related to sexual violence – in terms of the definitions of sexual acts, protection measures, and penalties that could act as actual deterrents – the other equally important aspect would be to educate young boys to be respectful towards girls and women. Advocate Vrinda Grover in an interview with The News Minute said, “We are a sick society today. We can stop calling ourselves a great civilization. We are a violent, sick and perverse society that treats women and may others in despicable violent way. Families teach patriarchy. Families teach violence against women. Families teach disrespect of women.” She further adds, “This harping and sloganeering for death penalty, we saw that in the case of Nirbhaya, four people were hanged. The deterrence value of that is zero. Is this not a wakeup call to every single institution of the society.”
The families need to create a safer place for children, especially boys, and inculcate values that create kind citizens for future. They are important in modeling respectful behavior, and community and educational programs have to be more socially extensive in their efforts to emphasize gender respect.
The concept of not just respect for women but all moral values is an intrinsic part of the teaching of Islam and something which is deeply etched in its culture. The Holy Quran and Hadiths further describe the dignity, rights, and respect to be accorded to women. Rising rape cases and other crimes against women are a mainstream issue; in fact, on the treatment of women, Islamic guidance is more relevant today than it was in times gone by. Indeed, the Quran (24:30) guides: “O Prophet! Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”
It is instructive that, in Islam, men and women are regarded as equal in spiritual worth and potential. The place of women, stipulated unequivocally in the Holy Quran – “The Believers, men and women, are helpers, supporters, friends of one another” (Quran 9:71) – constitutes the proper basis for mutual respect and cooperation.
Women’s rights are well guarded against any form of injustice, and the stress laid by the last sermon of Prophet Muhammad ﷺmakes the fair treatment and protection of women an absolute imperative. It is, therefore, very relevant that boys be educated on respect towards women.
“The best of you are those who are best to their women”, said Prophet Muhammadﷺ. One should note that good character and ethics are emphasized in Islam, with an example set by the Prophet himself. Masjids also play a crucial role in instilling good moral behaviour in boys through religious and ethical teachings. They foster values like respect for others, compassion, and integrity by incorporating these principles into sermons, youth programs, and Quranic lessons. By organizing discussions on ethics, and engaging boys in community service, masjids help shape responsible and respectful young men.
In Islam, both men and women are entrusted with the moral responsibility to uphold justice and protect the rights of others, including preventing crime against women. A Muslim man and woman are expected to stand firmly against any form of abuse, discrimination, or violence, advocating for the dignity and safety of women. This involves speaking out against injustice, supporting victims, and working within their communities to foster an environment of respect and equality. By embodying these principles, Muslims contribute to a just society where the rights and well-being of all individuals, especially women, are safeguarded and honored.
The rising number of rape cases in India reflects a tangled web of reporting trends, societal attitudes, legal challenges, and socio-economic factors. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted response, including stronger legal frameworks, better reporting mechanisms, enhanced training for law enforcement, and comprehensive support services for victims. By tackling systemic issues and promoting ethical behaviour, India can create a safer environment for women and significantly reduce crimes against them.