Breaking the Silence
( A case study of rape culture and victim blaming in India)
Rape. A despicable act of savagery that shows one of the darkest sides of humanity. It’s a perverse social
horror that is prevalent throughout borders and social orders.
In ‘modern’ 21st century India, rape remains a topic of taboo. Conversations on it are still met with discomfort
and uneasy glances in several households. This stigmatization is the major reason for our nation's alarming
statistics. A report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) estimated that only 29% of rape crimes
are reported to authorities, of which only 25-30 % result in conviction. This number however still remains
inaccurate because The Indian Penal Code does not consider marital rape and the rape of men a criminal act.
The very definition of ‘rape’ in our law is also subject of heated debate. This paints a grim picture of a justice
system where survivors are often abandoned by the very structures meant to protect them.
This stigma surrounding rape, compounded by victim blaming, instils fear in victims, who are constantly
made to feel responsible for the crimes against them. This not only absolves perpetrators of accountability
but also further traumatizes survivors, isolating them from support. The media too perpetuates this victim
blaming by focusing on the victim’s attributes in many cases. Such sensationalised reporting reinforces
stereotypes and detracts from the important discourses of preventing sexual violence and accountability.
A significant factor contributing to these issues is the widespread misunderstanding of rape itself. Contrary to
popular belief, rape is not the result of impulsive sexual desire. Rape is not about sex. Rather it is an act of
domination and power, with a complete disregard for another human being’s freedom and choices. This
ignorance fosters a culture that normalises the perpetrator's action and silences victims.
There is another aspect to this issue that adds to its complexity- the hypersensitivity towards any suggestions
for precautions by women to prevent such cases. Often, feminists and activists consider any such advice to
be akin to victim blaming. Though their intentions come from a good place, this prevents much-needed
honest conversations and genuine measures to mitigate such crimes.
Advising one of precautionary measures like avoiding dangerous areas or travelling with trusted individuals,
is not the same as blaming victims for their assault. It is simply an acknowledgement of the harsh realities of
our world. Here, it is also imperative to understand that if one does ignore such advice the responsibility for
such atrocities cannot be shifted. Victim blaming is never justified but it is crucial to learn the difference
between pragmatic advice and genuine victim blaming.
Additionally, it is also essential to acknowledge the challenges faced by men and LGBTQ+ individuals who
experience sexual violence. These survivors often encounter greater stigma and fewer avenues for support.
Rape is equally traumatic for all, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, and acknowledging this truth is a
necessary step toward building a more inclusive and empathetic society.
For India to truly become a ‘modern’ society, empathy, equality and safety need to be lived realities rather
than mere ideals. This requires comprehensive reforms including educating children about respect and
consent and having more open conversations, a re-evaluation of our legal system, and promotion of a culture
that unequivocally condemns rape. For this, our country can refer to the changes made in countries like
Sweden and Canada which were successful in reducing sexual violence and creating an ecosystem for
supporting survivors. By adapting these models to India’s unique cultural context, we can lay the groundwork
for meaningful progress.
The fight against rape culture is a long and difficult one, but it is a fight worth having. Breaking the silence is
the first step.
