A recent series of sexual assault cases in India has once again highlighted the urgent issue of women’s safety, raising concerns about why measures like stricter laws and harsher penalties haven’t effectively reduced incidents of sexual violence.
On Wednesday, hundreds of students took to the streets of New Delhi, chanting slogans and holding signs that called for better safety measures in light of a high-profile case. In this recent incident, three men allegedly posed as police officers and gang-raped a 17-year-old girl in a public park in the capital.
This incident draws parallels to the infamous 2012 gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student on a bus, which sparked nationwide protests and led to stricter laws aimed at combatting sexual violence. However, activists argue that these changes have not been sufficient.
Yogita Bhayana, a women’s rights activist, emphasized that the real solution lies in changing societal attitudes. She pointed out that too often, people blame women for being outside late or criticize them for being seen with men, highlighting a flawed mindset that persists in society.
According to official statistics, India saw an average of 80 reported rape cases every day in 2024, which is an increase from about 68 cases daily in 2012, before the new laws were established. Many believe that the real number of assaults is even higher since numerous victims do not come forward due to fear of stigma in a society that remains deeply patriarchal.
The latest alleged attack came after the horrific case involving a 16-year-old girl whose body was discovered after going missing, and another case where a 17-year-old girl was reportedly assaulted by a bus driver seeking to give her a ride in heavy rain. These incidents took place in Delhi, often referred to as India’s “rape capital,” though other states are not immune to such violence.
Every incident has sparked public outrage and political condemnation. Following the 2012 case, the victim became known as “Nirbhaya,” or “Fearless,” and the government revised laws to broaden the definitions of penetration and consent. As a result, gang rape now carries a minimum sentence of 20 years, with the possibility of the death penalty for repeat offenders.
Despite these legal reforms, lawyers and activists note that the issue lies in how these laws are enforced. Many police departments and courts are overwhelmed and inadequately equipped to handle the volume of cases effectively. Shilpi Jain, a criminal lawyer who has represented survivors, pointed out that the problem isn’t with the laws themselves, but with the lack of resources and personnel tasked with upholding them.
India’s conviction rate for rape has remained relatively unchanged since 2012, with only about a quarter of cases leading to a conviction. Furthermore, there is a significant backlog in the justice system, with less than 10% of over 200,000 cases pending in court being resolved in 2024. Jain mentioned that the lengthy legal process, which can stretch up to two decades, diminishes both the fear of punishment among offenders and the hope of justice for victims.
Poonam Muttreja, a gender rights activist, stresses that merely changing laws will not address the deeper issues rooted in cultural attitudes and inequality. Experts argue that ingrained societal taboos and political barriers hinder effective initiatives aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence.
According to Muttreja, prevention needs to start long before a crime occurs, in our homes, schools, communities, digital environments, and within law enforcement agencies.
