KOCHI: When Jyothi Singh, a paramedical student from Delhi was raped by six men in December, 2012, people protested with candles and held demonstrations, day and night, on the streets of Delhi. But, has it brought an end to such incidents in the country? No! On the contrary, these incidents have taken on an air of something mundane!! A point highlighted by Jisha's murder a few days back. People are again back on the streets calling for firmer laws and fast tracking of such cases.
"Rapes happen because perpetrators gain courage from the cumulative ignorance of the members of the family, society and law enforcements. Parents should teach their sons to protect a girl rather than teach their daughters to stay home. Also, girls should be given compulsory self-defense training," says Mukund Venugopal, a journalism and psychology student. "Awareness should be given from middle school onwards. Proper basics should be given before the child steps into his or her teens."
Gayathri C K, an employee at Tata Consultancy Service, opines that such atrocities towards women are increasing due to the lack of immediate and effective punishments. "Govindachami who raped and murdered Soumya was sentenced to death. It has been five years since and he is still alive, healthier than he had ever been. Now, Jisha's murder has proved that women are not safe, even in their homes," she points out.
"Circumstances and attitude of people, when clubbed together, are the villains in such crimes. Just because men aren't supposed to rape you, you shouldn't go wherever you want. During unavoidable situations like late night work, the offices should provide pick up and drop facilities to ensure the safety of its employees," says Chinchu Theresa Jacob who works at South Indian Bank.