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Rape is a GLOBAL concern and what worsens it is the lack of empathy!
To be honest, every time I think about penning about an incident on child abuse, the headline changes with another new name of a child who has been molested or raped.
This blog is to create awareness about the recently initiated campaign and to urge support the cause.
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The #RapeRoko Campaign has been initiated by Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal against the rise of recent incidences of rape and molestation on children. ‘Rape Roko’ (Stop Rape) was initiated after the rape of an 8-month-old in January.
Highlights:
• The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the district court bar associations extended their support to the ‘Rape Roko’ campaign.
• The initiative urges for completion of trials in cases of sexual assault against women and children by fast-track courts within six months and death penalty for child rapists.
• The DCW also wrote to the MPs requesting them to join the ‘Rape Roko’ campaign and to ensure strict punishment for those convicted of raping minors.
Rape culture is systemic, and to eliminate it, changes must happen at many levels. We need to stand together to bring the necessary changes.
As humans, we are civilized and enjoy being one of the finest creations of God. I wonder what renders them into such heinous crimes!
As parents, we try to instill quality education in our children, yet in various ways, parents have been contributing to this rape culture. Some traditional practices and old thoughts were passed through generations that crippled our society. One among them is attire and its length. Now the question is how could short dresses be the reason for the rape of babies and kids? And how could short dresses be the reason for the rape and molestation of small boys?
I would like to add this crucial point — while talking about punishment — understand that even small boys are getting molested and raped. So kindly take their cases under consideration when bringing changes in the law and its system. Give them a scope to come up and speak their plight. Why not bring all rape victims under the same roof? Let them all get equal justice. It’s time we can take another step towards equality, together.
The fact is that pedophiles see no gender!
In support of the campaign, a road procession to condemn increasing rape incidences was carried out with several men in their shorts. They say, not short clothes, but loopholes in the law and sick mentality is the cause of rape. They set an argument, how could one justify the rape of small babies or kids.
“We will not turn a blind eye towards rapes of little girls. I think it’s the duty of the commission to struggle for systemic changes and we will not leave any stone unturned to achieve the same. I think people of all political parties should come together to ensure the safety of women and girls in the country. I am hopeful that we will get support in the matter across regions and ideologies,” said Ms. Maliwal.
The protest is to be continued until March 8. A nationwide protest is being planned on International Woman day in India.
My urge is to all, to strengthen the campaign and help protect our children from sexual abuse. Use #RapeRoko and join the conversation. Or go to RapeRoko to join the campaign.
When such headlines with rape and molestation on the children are becoming a common trend, then the only way to curb it is a historical punishment and I hope our Government would listen to our collective plea.
The Safety Of Our Kids Is Our Priority
Sources:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/dcw-urges-mps-to-join-rape-roko-movement/article22840182.ecehttps://
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/dcw-chief-students-march-to-stop-rapes/articleshow/62907911.cmshttp://
www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/ima-bar-unions-throw-weight-behind-rape-roko/article22926828.ecehttp://
www.raperoko.org/
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Photo: Getty Images