Addressing sexual violence

Recent reports of brutal rapes in Sri Lanka and India have once again highlighted the dire need to address this heinous crime that underscores an urgent need for stronger laws, efficient enforcement, and a societal transformation in how we respond to sexual violence. In both countries, the pervasive culture of impunity and the stigma surrounding victims of sexual crimes continue to allow such atrocities to persist, often with little accountability.

In India doctors across the country have held protests, candlelight marches and refused to see non-emergency patients in the past week after the killing of the 31-year-old postgraduate student of chest medicine in the early hours of 9 August in the eastern city of Kolkata. At least 25 people have been arrested in connection with the incident so far. India introduced sweeping changes to the criminal justice system, including tougher sentences, after the 2012 attack in which a woman was gang raped and killed in New Delhi but campaigners say little has changed and not enough has been done to deter violence against women.

Recently in Thanamalwilla a 16-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly gang raped. Over 20 school age boys have been arrested for the crime. The Principal, Deputy Principal, and two lady teachers of the school were also arrested for not reporting the crime and were later released on bail. The juveniles have been placed under probation.

In Sri Lanka, the gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. The need for more efficient and thorough investigations into sexual crimes is paramount. Victims of rape and sexual assault often face tremendous societal pressure to remain silent, fearing both the stigma attached to their ordeal and the ineffectiveness of the justice system. This fear is compounded by the slow pace of investigations, which not only fails to bring perpetrators to justice but also discourages other victims from coming forward. The State has a critical role in ensuring that law enforcement agencies are well-equipped, trained, and motivated to handle these cases with the urgency and sensitivity they demand.

Equally important is the need for a cultural shift in how we perceive victims of sexual violence. In many cases, victims are subjected to secondary victimisation by the very society that should be supporting them. The stigma attached to being a victim of sexual crime is pervasive, often leading to further trauma and isolation. It is the responsibility of the State, as well as the greater society, to work towards removing this stigma. Victims must be provided with the necessary psychological and social support, and they should be empowered to seek justice without fear of judgment or reprisal.

The recent incidents of rape are not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of violence against women that demands a comprehensive response. Legal reforms, while necessary, are not sufficient on their own. There must be a concerted effort to change societal attitudes, improve the effectiveness of law enforcement, and ensure that the judicial process is both swift and just.

The responsibility to address sexual violence lies with every level of society—from the Government and law enforcement, to educators, community leaders, and ordinary citizens. It is necessary to create an environment where victims are supported, perpetrators are punished, and future acts of violence are prevented.