Speaking out Against Rape

Aug 1, 2014


It’s mind-boggling to see a country high with stats when it comes to... of all things... RAPE. I mean, I can see culture related statistics or health or even employment for that matter. But rape?!?! It’s like saying, this country is THE MOST unsafe place on earth for women and children. Sorry guys, I’m not being biased here neither am I speaking from years of research. Just by what you see, hear and sometimes even feel around you. 

At a time when I visited India (when I was 15), I thought the nastiness of some men and the inability to contain their ‘urge’, was at its peak. But after a fairly long stay there and re-locating to New Zealand, I can NOT begin to fathom the state of affairs that prevails there right now. Gets my blood boiling, frustrated that while I was there, I didn’t do enough. I always reacted with a physical bashing of men when they so much as even breathed over me. Not because I think of myself as being prissy. No Sire! I have a personal space that only some are allowed to step into. And there is no way in Satan’s hell am I going to let you get away with thinking that you can grab, fondle or even brush against me and go scot-free!!! I’m not an ‘all you can eat buffet’! Hell, even commodities in a window shopping area are safer even though they ARE meant for public display.

Being a doctor and a psychologist, it gets me thinking really. All these mental disorders that keep being coined according to the American Psychological Association (APA), what goes on through these unbalanced, crippled with sexual desire to the point of having to even kill, mental behaviour – tugs at my curious nerve. I mean, can we rightly term these men as sexual addicts?

An addict can’t help it, yes. But to commit such a heinous crime maybe once in your life, what must really go through your mind to act on such a need. A need that cannot be euphemised by any dictionary for want of being subtle. Just when i think about how, a particular individual, can go to such lengths to deface a human life – the matter begs a very pertinent question … What about those who function in gangs?! You’d think that in a group of 3,4 or even 5 men – one of them (if not more) would have a conscience? One of them would stop the insanity that they see and say, “hey look ! leching, ogling and teasing is one thing – this, this is not right!” One of them would wake up from their drunken reverie even to realise THIS.IS.ABSOLUTELY.UNACCEPTABLE. Just one … ?!

How are these men different from terrorists? Those being brainwashed to kill a certain sect of humanity for a better (?) place, as opposed to these men who do it for a personal craving of torrential heights  - leaving the victim literally dead or a living zombie for the rest of their time here on earth, scarred and forced to lose trust in humanity.

Well, I haven’t even begun to explain the real reason for choosing this subject to write on. My reason? That section of the society, who in their oxygen deprived shriveled excuse of a carcass brain, hold the victims of rape responsible. Can you believe it?!?! And the worst befuddling part is, this isn’t just confined to a particular gender, race, age group or even class of people. Women yelling on rooftops that “X wore a skimpy skirt so she was secretly asking for it!” – “Why does she roam at nights with a guy, friends or even alone? Is she a prostitute? They must’ve thought she’s a whore and so raped her!”

REALLY?!?! So you mean if a sexual worker walked home at night by herself – she CAN be raped given her background?! How do these retards even breathe and not get arrested for their vile remarks?! Oh yeah that’s right, the laws are only meant for humans to not kill animals and well, the courts are busy with eons long disputes on what shall the current state be renamed to. Surely with being the second largest populated country in the world, you can make do with a few hundred thousands being raped and killed every day. No one really cares about the fact that the gender ratio is already dwindling given female infanticide and dowry drama. But yeah, anything for the country. Right?!

Oh and not to mention, the moral policing – but that is a topic for another I-want-to-vent-so-I-shall-write day.

DISCLAIMER: I love India, my opinions here solely describe the rapists and not Indians in general. I’m of the belief that the act of an (or many) individual/s, does not tarnish the nation as a whole. Sadly though, detaching the reputation of such a beautiful country from such a nefarious crime is easier said than done.







Dr Pamela Jane Pinto
Pamela Jane Pinto is currently residing in Wellington, New Zealand. A doctor and counselor by profession, she has delved in other walks of life too as an avocation - painting, writing, singing, poetry, acting and anything that keeps her ticking. She works with the Red Cross, NZ community, currently as the Area Council for the Wellington region. Her passion for writing on subjects close to heart, is her way of providing some insight on subjects that are some times considered taboo or cause hesitation to even discuss.
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Comment on this article

  • anita britto , Mangalore/Auckland

    Tue, Sep 02 2014

    Great article,Pamela.

    Takes courage to confront issues like Rape and create awareness.Totally identify with your thoughts and feelings and like you " I love my India" and am very patriotic.

    Am in Wellington around the 1st week of October for around 3 weeks and would love to meet you. Just sent you a fb request - let me know if you are free sometime then.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, New Zealand

    Thu, Aug 07 2014

    Cont'd.
    Rahul, wanting to satisfy the insecurity that one hides behind the garb of showing dominance is just one of the many MANY reasons of raping someone. And even if they do want to prove they are dominating and sleep well at night because it makes them feel better ... going that far to rape is unthinkable. I do not wish to comment on the religious bit else this will ensue an unwanted digression from the issue at hand

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Thu, Aug 07 2014

    Dear Kurt and Stephen,
    Thank you for your comments. You are absolutely right. Hopefully we have more people, MEN and WOMEN both, who think as you guys and some of the other readers on here do.
    Rahul,
    Yes i was comparing the statistics with something, the following para says what i compared it with. With other fields - not another country.
    Paedophilia is just another fancy word for rape of a certain category. Doesnt change anything about the act of RAPE.
    Why doesnt it make any sense that people should be educated about rape?! (although i didnt find any sentence word for word saying so). Rape is the culmination of an act that starts off with stalking, harassing, name calling, tormenting, groping, fondling, rubbing against, touching, pinching, leching, chasing, molesting and/or killing. No, you'd be surprised to hear that NOT everyone knows what rape is. Why do you think the rapists rape? Apart form social stigma, rape cases also dont get reported more commonly because of too many factors to pen here. To cite a few, fear of being believed, once reported - anxiety of whether an action will or will not be taken, their identity being splashed with the future of that girl being doomed as society is grown to not accept brides with such backgrounds. People have trouble accepting brides of darker skin and trivial things like that! But i digress. And sometimes the victims are left for the dead (so who would report whom)or are threatened and hence raped repeatedly.
    contd.

  • Rahul Kumar, Bangalore

    Thu, Aug 07 2014

    Dr. Pinto,
    Thanks for responding. I think the confusion arose with the first sentence of your article. I thought you were comparing high statistical rate with something else, since rates are usually used for comparison.

    Also, I read some of the comments and wanted clear up some things.

    Raping a 6 year prepubescent girl is Pedophilia. I dont think any normal person would be attracted to a 6 year old. Separate and more stringent laws should be passed to protect children.

    People keep commenting that everyone should be educated about rape this doesn't make any sense, I am pretty sure everyone knows Rape is a crime. I think the education should be about getting rid of social stigma of rape, so victims don't suffer silently in shame and can at least report the crime. The law enforcement should be educated about dealing with rape cases. Currently I don't think most law enforcement agencies are not trained for this kind of cases, they handle it very badly.

    I read somewhere, that rape and sexual violence was used by men for dominance over women . This makes sense in some rape cases, for instance the case were village girls were raped and hanged, and the other incident is were the nuns were raped. The rapists were trying send a message to the rest of the community. Do you agree ?

    Also don't agree with Aloysius's comment that people are getting away from religion, so rapes are occurring. Just because someone is Atheist,doesn't mean they will break the law and rape.

  • Stephen, USA

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Read the papers everyday there are a number of rapes, murders and other violence against women. Statistics are used to evaluate. No matter how many one is too much

  • Kurt Waschnig, Oldenburg, Germany

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Dear Pamela, You describe the reality and the environment women face daily in India. All avid readers of Daijiworld should appreciate your article. Like the fight against corruption in India there shall be a peaceful movement across India to fight peacefully against those perpetrators and to exert influence on the government to do everything to protect girls/women better in India. Best regards Kurt

  • readerwriter007, pune

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    I think we got this crown ourselves. nobody else imposed this on us. The daily incidents reported , irrespective of the states, irrespective of the women victim's age, irrespective of the relations whether a mother, sister, friend or any common lady of society, we targetted everybody and ended up with a crime act so called Rape. Couple of false allegations, still we can not consider that excuse. We , when I say we, I speak about men who are primary culprits for India to get this very high negative ranking in the world. World is watching. We never bothered and our leaders never bothered. we were blaming each other, either caste, either party, either some supporting leaders like UP CM and his son... we forgot that end of the day we, as a country will get a very bad name and here we are rated one of the most worst country to stay at, especially because of no safe country for women. So, we can not justify anything now. Unless we ( again I am referring the men who are the culprits ) need to realise the sin they are in to or law and order forcing them to limit themselves... unless something is drastic change in introduced, we will continue to hear these lectures, negative comments on our country... no choice and no excuse.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Dearest R.bhandarkar,
    Believe it or not, I actually replied. TWICE! but for some reason they arent getting published. ope this one does.
    Dear Vandana,
    I feel your frustration and annoyance. As I said, some of the readers' comments on here just prove what my article has elucidated! :)
    Regards,
    Pam

  • Gladys, Australia

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Mahesh Jayar Kumar, I see that Dr. Pamela has not replied to you, but I will. I can see you are defending rape and rapists in India vehemently to the point of calling the doctor all sorts or names and assuming to know her since the age of 15. If you cannot understand what the doctor has said in her article I suggest you keep quiet and read through the comments. She has explained again and again and again what she is trying to express. She is not out to vilify Indians, but to try and bring to the forefront a problem that is very real indeed. I suggest that instead of beating your chest and trying to claim your position of an Indian man, and actually telling the doctor that you are educating her, go educate yourself a little bit. She does not need your education I can assure you. And for your information rape is rape, whether it is in India, the UK, the US or any part of the world. Also it does not matter if one person is raped or a hundred, it is still rape. Someone's daughter, mother, wife has still been violated in the worst possible way. And if you think that the rest of the world don't read Indian news and pick up on the rapes that do take place (and such horrible, horrible rapes they are), you are sadly mistaken. So instead of defending yourself so vehemently, please try and make a change in the society. The only way the rapes will stop is through education, not denial.

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Maria , John D'souza Sir and all were entertained twice...
    Only some seems to have all the luck.

  • Vandana Dsouza, Padukone, Kuwait

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Contd…2
    A child takes birth thru a women. She goes thru hell while giving birth. Yet she bears that pain just to bring a life out of her. If we women rejects to give birth? JUST IMAGINE! WHERE D EXISTENCE OF A HUMAN BEING WILL BE? SO THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.

    Dr. Pamela… I cannot comment anymore, after reading d comment of Mr. Rahul again about the need of statistics. What a broad minded people we have! If an educated people’s mentality is like this, then what we can expect from those anpad gawar, Jangli Janwars who conduct these things?

  • Vandana Dsouza, Padukone, Kuwait

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Dr. Pamela,
    I wonder & I get amazed when people comment negatively when these things are taking place around d country. 1st they will blame d ruling parties, they bring politics, they bring d upbringing of d victim, it’s because of Western culture / western outfits, where d victim & the culprit has nothing to do with all these things.

    Years ago I had read on TOI that a 2 year old child had been raped during d absence of her mother where d child was playing in d garden alone. When d mother had returned back she saw d child was lying on d ground with flood of blood. Now let those people comment? Whom to blame D child? Who is unaware of anything of this cruel act. The child must have not learned to talk properly. The child was just 2 years old. The child must have looked out for her mother to call out & it must have not in that awareness what is happening to it? just imagine guy just imagine. Where you people are upto? Just to fulfill your URGE A MAN goes to that extent?

    We comment, we debate on these episodes, but does our voices go to that culprit? Does our plea reaches out to those INHUMANs? No nothing will change not a bit of change will come. Even we protest world level. UNLESS & UNTIL WE bring that awareness at home.

    I feel & I trust, if we start educating our kids, whether it is a boy child or a girl child to respect each human being from their childhood then MAY BE we can DREAM of a new beginning in each house.
    Contd…

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Dear Rahul,
    Yes, when dealing with statistics, statistics is important. Here, the topic touches on the ghastly occurrence of rape and the mind-set of the rapists (I've barely delved into it to be honest). So when discussing a comparison of statistics with other countries, fine, we can bring in statistics then. However, when dealing with rape, victims of rape and perpetrators of rape, it all becomes a moot point. No amount of statistics matters to the rape victims and to those who have succumbed to rape, whether 0.0005 or 50%.

  • Rahul Kumar, UK/ Bangalore

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Rita and everyone,
    I think satistics is required. Otherwise it makes india, with a population of 1.2 billion, look like we have a lot of rape cases.

    If only 0.05% rapes occur in one year (365 days), that is equal to 600,00 rapes in a year. Which is equal to 1,643 rapes a day. Just to drive the point 0.05% is 0.0005. This is extremely low, it just seems bigger becuase of India's population. It looks like a huge amount of rapes occur, but the rate is extremely low.

    One would think satisitcs is really important when dealing with controversial subjects such as this.


  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Mahesh,
    Wow, your ignorance has left me speechless! The fact that you've given a cultural twist to rape stating there exists a difference between 'rape in India' and 'rape in western countries', leaves me spell-bound. So i shall let you revel in your benightedness. No response is what you requested, right? Would be pointless anyway.
    Dear Aloysius,
    You are right but with a little correction. Tattoos on the body and clothes, do not make/break a person. Yes, the influence of drugs and alcohol do along with many other factors. But yes, a lot of truth in what you speak :)
    Dearest RB,
    Yes, writers do have humour inadvertently creeping into their work. Makes it pertinent to be cautious so as to not appear too lighthearted :D

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Dear Putta....
    I read , again read and re-read the following sentences in your article, following your explanation.
    "I always reacted with a physical bashing of men when they so much as even breathed over me. Not because I think of myself as being prissy. No Sire! I have a personal space that only some are allowed to step into. And there is no way in Satan’s hell am I going to let you get away with thinking that you can grab, fondle or even brush against me and go scot-free!!! I’m not an ‘all you can eat buffet’! Hell, even commodities in a window shopping area are safer even though they ARE meant for public display."
    I could not see the 'hidden sarcasm', 'window dressing', or anything of that sort in the above
    sentences.Plain, Clean, white humour is what I saw flowing through and through. I have coined it delibrately 'white humour', because I know the existence of black humour. It exists -does it not?
    In any case , I think writers, when they do write what they feel,do not feel where 'humour' may have crept it inadvertently.Is it not?
    Cheerio n Regards
    RB.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    Dear Rita and Vandana,
    Thank you for your heart wrenching comments. To respond with a case in point as you've mentioned Vandana, I check Daiji to read the comments and respond and my eyes quickly scan the current news with rape cases. Recent one being the 63 yo man assaulting an 8 year old. What has this world come to? Yes these things happened before, but before BECAUSE they women were controlled (or so the men would like to believe), the assault, rape and murder cases got buried. Awareness has led to bringing to light of such cases but in the meanwhile - the rise of such acts have also increased due to other factors. Stats in this context, have absolutely no relevance. Patriotism is not even a subject one should talk about when discussing rape. There is nothing patriotic about that act hence anyone voicing against it isnt a TRAITOR. A lot of people as such are confused and not sure where to to look or who to blame and hence as stated earlier, they all point at the victim. For those who understand what is being said, such as yourself and the rest of the readers, they know exactly what i mean. And it brings hope and some kind of consolation to my mind knowing that even though there are people out there with a different (read ridiculous) sensibility, the majority of them have a good head on their shoulders.
    I do sincerely hope and pray that not only for the sake of our country, but for all of humanity, such inhumane, opprobrious acts become defunct.
    Regards,
    Pam

  • Aloysius Dsouza, Mumbai/Los Angeles, CA

    Wed, Aug 06 2014

    All this is happening is becuase people are getting away from religion. There was a time when both men and women dressed decently and were God fearing. Not anyomre, women were clothes that would put anybody to shame. Men have tatoos all over their bodies that make them look like rowdies. Alcohol and drug activity is so high that people are destroying their brains. This moral decay is causing rapes to occur. Men and women need to respect their bodies.

  • Mahesh Jayraj Kumar, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 05 2014

    The term RAPE is a fact but the real fact is you are confused about Rape with Indian society. Psychological behavior of the rapists... are you Indian specific ?? or why not about other parts of the world and it does found in plenty. You lack knowledge and one sided. Counselling is case to case approach and not a phenomenon to target any one society. Rape can be taken place in different forms and and not the one you think of. You lack world knowledge about rape and and since 15 years of your age you have grown mean and disturbed about this entire concept. I think so you are psychologically disturbed about rape and your article says nothing new but bragging about rape. Okay statistics is not required but do not be biased about rape with Indian society therefore, first know rape cases in the world and then you will know that Indian cases are just microscopic. All society condemn Rape and India has taken its first place to protect its Indian Tradition and Culture. Do not blame India in particular due to some isolated cases. Don't you know in every parts of the world there are abnormal cases ? In western parts of the world child rape ratio is much much greater than what you think about India. You have grow up dear... Please don't reply to this with your false knowledge. I am not angry but I am educating you.

  • Vandana Dsouza, Padukone, Kuwait

    Tue, Aug 05 2014

    Dear Dr. Pamela,
    No matter how much you scream, no matter how much you protest, no matter how much you cry or pray…these things will never ever stop. When that Nirbhaya case was in talk of the town…I had voiced it out my agony…what that girl must have gone thru…GOD only knows! How much protests took place…the whole world cried…but did it made any changes in what is right now happening??
    As you know…rapes are taking place at home….within the family, friends, relatives. Father raping the daughter, son raping the mother, brother molesting the sister…OH GOD…SICK!!!
    when the cup is over loaded…and you cannot take it anymore…and that time…there are people like you who openly voice out your feelings!! And during that time instead of supporting there are people who are behind of patriotism and statistics and there are people who is blaming the outfits…western and tradition !!!! HAVE A LIFE DUDE…just stop it…look at the pain in this article…can’t you feel it?? can’t you sense it???

    One thing I would like to mention dear Dr. it truly hurts when I get to hear about the rape cases…asking Jesus to help those victims at that hour of time…so that those who ever thinks of doing it…at that very moment they should get a punishment from GOD above. It should happen in each cases…so that the culprit who thinks to do that…should think 1000 times to commit such a cruel and inhuman act.

  • Rita, Germany

    Tue, Aug 05 2014

    @Maria Mangalore,What is here unpatriotic Maria you mean?open your eyes and ears and say about statistics.Isn't enough even one rape is woman loosing her dignity and her honour?discriminating a woman through it?how would you feel when it happens to you?Even School Boys are aping the bigger ones and try on small children?Previously men were giving respect to our women.There were one or two Happening as all over the world.Now men are declined to act like animals .No Girl,woman is sure of her security.Even Rickshaw Drivers you cant believe whether they take you safe to your Destination.very bad Situation in India.and Dr.pamela has right.Even Police are laughing and take Advantage of victims.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Mon, Aug 04 2014

    Dear Jawar,
    :) i guess you're right :)

  • Jawar D,Souza, M'Lore/Mumbai

    Mon, Aug 04 2014

    I think then we have to switch off the lights at home and keep so that thieves will not be able to see what is there inside and get attracted to steal.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Mon, Aug 04 2014

    Dear R.Bhandarkar,
    Thank you! :)
    I guess the unintended humour that you've detected, stems from my sarcasm (which trust me, more often than not makes people smile for some reason) :D
    As you have touched on the topic of romance, unfortunately the term has lost its meaning on a few. They try to establish 'romance' by stalking, harassing, threatening and by force. Guess the influence is the wrong kind of movies (if they can be called that), reading material (paper and electronic) and whatever else is readily available. I've found the mentality of a few to be rigid because for some, in their heart of hearts, they actually believe it to be true. This could be because they either are raised with that ideology or they simply want to cull the problem (in their own way). To them, it's like 'You have a headache? well it's because you have a head, to solve the problem, cut your head off!
    Catch my drift? :)
    They assume the root of the problem is the thing that is suffering and they believe that by eliminating the sufferer, there shall be no more suffering - if this makes sense :)
    As always, loved you comments. Seems like my mum has spread the puta endearment far and wide )
    Regards,
    Pam

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Mon, Aug 04 2014

    Dr. Pamela pinto! Putta! How well do you write!And forcefully too!
    With a fair tinge of humour to boot.In fact, I must confess that this is the first article on 'Speaking against Rape', I felt, had humorous laces attached to it.
    You have been able to drive the message home, I assure you. However, if at all there are disagreements, it's because some cannot envisage the circumstances
    correctly which makes one a 'rape victim'. Therefore their shifting the onus on dressing, partying, not being aware all the time and all that rot.What's more tougher in any case is to think what causes this 'beastly urge' that propels men(?) to act in the way they indeed to.
    On the flip side(is that what you call it here?) is that all this is surely going to kill 'romance'
    soon! Romance needs perseverance
    and all that-right? How to follow someone you like-if you are thought to be a stalker, at the outset? Got my point? Guys ...you are 'dead ducks' ..in case you do not innovate- I tell you! You too might have to take 'counseling' of a different kind!
    Why I am worried about all this you ask? Well! I also used to follow you see in my days....
    Alas! How times have changed! and for the worse!
    Hope sense prevails and in this jet age may everyone have the wisdom at least that 'hurt' is the same for everyone,anywhere and whatever be the reason.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Mon, Aug 04 2014

    Dear Dr.Anand & Geeta,
    I extend my wholehearted gratitude towards your support and kinds words.
    Dear John,
    Thank you too. With people such as yourself and the rest who have spoken out against rape here in the sanest way possible, gives us all hope that striving towards a better, cleaner, safer, secure India - not just for women, but for all of humanity, isnt impossible.
    Here's to a making our country a wonderful one!
    Regards,
    Pam

  • John DSouza, Mangalore/Qatar

    Mon, Aug 04 2014

    Dear Dr Pamela, thank you for your time and patience to acknowledge and respond each and every comment.
    In fact, Speaking out Against Rape is a very important issue because it talks about the action of a moment which impacts body, mind and life for a lengthy period of time. It is like breaking a clay pot by a rod, ignoring and nullifying the time and hard work of the Potter.
    We have been moving in a derailed train by risking ourselves and endangering all on route. A serious thinking and firm implementation is essential to control and bring back our train on track.
    Let us try and hope to have a peaceful society, stable economy and clean environment.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Mon, Aug 04 2014

    Dear Neville,
    You're absolutely right. While in med school I encountered so many young girls who didnt even know about their reproductive organs, some thought kissing could impregnate them, while some told me horrific stories of their oblivious puberty. It's sad really that people like Pramod and Mohan here still have the cave-men barbaric attitude and mindset. But as you have agreed and explained, the women over time have programmed their brains to 'go with that ridiculous flow' of surrendering to this sort of archaic mentality and blame other women. Something like the Stockholm Syndrome. Although it needs a radical change - a change brought about by awareness, education, upbringing, respect, laws and governance, it's going to be a long haul given the population of our country and the rigid mule like stubbornness these lot have been brainwashed to believe for eons. They drag culture into things as and when they find it convenient. I dont see these people protesting against the movies with derogatory lines or songs about women. I dont see these people protesting about the western movies they go to watch or illegally download. But talk about rape and they think the onus lies on the woman if she chooses to be ogled at, groped, raped and killed. These people are sadly pathetic and shameless. As Gladys from Aus. mentioned, unless it happens to them, they will throw any and every excuse on the victim's face. As Michelle from USA rightly said, we aren't cattle!

  • Michelle De Souza Hydrick, Goa, India/ Charleston SC USA

    Mon, Aug 04 2014

    Maria
    Statistics help but they are not the say all end all. This isnt the place for you to feel that your job relating somehow to statistics makes you feel useful and like you are doing something worth while. This isnt about statistics but the fact that many crimes are not reported hence making them skewed and therefore a moot point! Try to view Dr. Pintos point about the victims and their plight with regard to the assailants as well as the justice system and society.

  • Neville Fernandez, Mangalore/Antigua, West Indies

    Mon, Aug 04 2014

    A thought provoking article. The need of the hour is a change in attitudes towards women, and when I say change, this also includes what women think about other women. You mentioned,"Women yelling on rooftops that “X wore a skimpy skirt.....", you hit the nail on the head. We seriously need to look at how society at large is shaping the minds of young boys and girls, their attitudes towards the opposite sex, their attitudes towards sex itself, the kind of information they have access to. All these factors coupled with poor law enforcement and the idea that one can get away with anything contribute to the problem of rape. I do remember reading a nice article in a popular magazine, I think it was the Reader's Digest,"Talk to your children about sex before somebody else does...". How many do? Unfortunately, many youngsters get their "information" from pornographic magazines and websites. What other outcome can one expect except a negative one.

  • Dr.Anand & Geeta N Pereira, Sakleshpur/kadri

    Sun, Aug 03 2014

    This article is timely and needs to be read by one and all. Definitely, there is a big disconnect in our Country when it comes to sex education. Our mindset needs to be corrected and our leaders need to be educated on this sensitive issue. Congrats on effectively communicating your thoughts. Keep writing and our support is with you.

  • Gladys, Australia

    Sun, Aug 03 2014

    Some of these comments prove that unless it happens to you it does not matter. How many pictures and articles are circulated every day of rape and general disrespect of women in India. How many women have died? Does it matter if it is one or one thousand? Does it only matter if it happens to you? Hiding your head in the sand won't make the problem go away and while you defend your good old India, the rest of the world watches. Unpatriotic? What should people do when faced with reports of rape? Carry the Indian flag around and sing the national anthem? It's time to speak out. Like I said before, it may be just one person, maybe only two, or maybe even one hundred, but in the end the woman who was raped and murdered was someone's wife, mother, daughter... think about that. Imagine if she was your wife, mother or daughter...

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 03 2014

    Dear John,(contd.)
    5,6,7,8. Yes, yes and yes :) This is proving to be a more complex albeit boosting of morale of sorts for the rapists. When asked, they actually take it as a challenge and a game. Some even compete with one another and while for some, their minds block out the cries of the victims, for others, it encourages them to see the pain. Hence why rapists are also termed as sadists.
    9. At that point when the act occurs, the rapist is only thinking about one thing - to satisfy his urge. His brain does not process the fact that he is going to psychologically cause the victim harm and/or death. Having said that, some kill even during or after the act because the brain then processes what they have done and they then act accordingly.
    10. No
    11. yes and no. An individual behaves depending on external and internal environmental factors. An unhealthy upbringing would lead to the individual more often than not committing a crime at home and/or in society. These are your repeat offenders.
    Sadly, the frame of mind of the individuals who are neither the victims nor the rapists have a mindset of confusion. It's not abnormal to want to blame the victim. It's convenience. As Mohan commented, rape is Western according to him. You see, people tend to blame a crime on a culture because it is easy. They feel dress codes should be in place so that men are not tempted. Old ladies, nuns, children of very tender ages, none of them spared and it has been happening since time immemorial.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 03 2014

    Dear John,
    Thank you for your comments and might i add, you have raised some really fascinating and intriguing questions. The following answers are in my professional opinion.
    1. Most crimes are NOT performed due to provocation. How can I prove this? Most people we know (ourselves included) do not commit such a heinous crime. Imagine if we all acted on every impulse to kill, rape, steal and what have you! :)
    2. Humans with able minds more often than not, do not dare to commit such crimes. But then factor of impulsiveness overshadows the human sensibility some times. For eg. A spouse in a fit of rage murders their partner because of an extramarital affair. But does that mean they would, from then on, go on killing people? No. herein is the provocation you spoke of, yes. But out of the extramarital affairs (for eg.) how many times have they just ended in a divorce and how many in murder. Just something to ponder on.
    3. Depending on the crime committed and the mental state of the perpetrator, the factors responsible can be studied.
    4. If anything, drugs and other recreational substances are known to enhance this causative factor. An everyday man may not kill his annoying neighbour but one day under the influence of drugs and the pent up frustration, he feels enough is enough and may dare to do what he never thought he was capable of. Drugs (alcohol included) alter the mind of individuals in different ways - you'd be surprised.

  • John DSouza, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 03 2014

    Dr Pinto, being the subject is sensitive, serious and shameful, some harsh questions are unavoidable.
    1. As necessity is the mother of invention, reaction for every action and temptation is the reason for sin, do you agree that these crimes are performed due to some sort of provocation?
    2. Can a human being with sense, dare to commit this heinous crime to the humanity?
    3. What factors are responsible for this type of insanity, to commit these inhuman crimes?
    4. Is the government in a position to sacrifice revenue from alcohol, tobacco and other health hazardous and society destroying sources of treasury income?
    5. Can the rapists wait in queue with patience to take individual turn, to perform this criminal act?
    6. If gang is so hot with uncontrollable urgency, will they not kill each other in pressure and excitement, before attacking the victim?
    7. Can a team work of relay system is possible, to attack a single target, with multiple guns?
    8. Can they watch other’s action with calm and if so, will they be able to act/perform at their turn?
    9. Is it not merely to injure the victim physically, psychologically and even to destroy life?
    10. Is there any possibility to stop, restrict or control the free flow of tempting electronic media?
    11. Do you agree that the living environment plays a greater role in human behavior and minds?
    12. Why not we can emphasis the job creation by avoiding unwanted burden on treasury and by diverting the funds on infra and development projects?

  • Mohan Kumar, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 03 2014

    I thinks most of the problems are occurring because Indian mens and womens are following western standards. Most do dating with several men, performing sex before marriage, posting pictures of skimpy clothing images on internet. This is against Indian culture. This type of copying of western culture bringing western problems like rape to India. Did you know AIDS comes from western world and they blamed Africa for problem. India chased england people in 1947 but Indians copies gora people. You Kno Wearing skimpy clothing, flirting can attract bad character men because they think the women are a bit loose in character, or may be confuse them for prostitute. I only studied SSLC and working as peon but my friends and me thinking this is the problem in our society. but also I think strict action should be taken against. rapists. Jai Hind, hoping Daijiworld valuing my opinion.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 03 2014

    Maria,
    Your point now for the importance of statistics is appreciated. And yes, it helps with stats to deploy vigilance and awareness. Yes i know it is impossible to have 0% rape rate but that is why i mentioned any stats is high in my opinion when it comes to rape. Hence, as i said, this article only speaks of rapists and rapes occurring in India. It's probably for another time when I might write on the possible measures we could take to prevent rape and what laws, as citizens, can we urge the government to formulate for the safety of women. I hope you understand that any problem has a beginning, an analysis and problem solving procedure to touch upon and i have just touched the tip of the ice berg with this piece :)
    Regards,
    Pam

  • Maria Rodrigues, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 03 2014

    I think we started off on the wrong foot. Statistics are really important, and I work in closely in a related field.

    We definitely need statistics to know were to deploy police, counselors, were more education is needed, and problem areas if alcohol, cultural norms etc are causing it. India has a population of 121 crores and you article wont reach all of India, that's why we need statistics. I don't think any country has 0% rape rate and is virtually impossible as we have no control over actions of others. However we can educate, police, based on statistics and reduce the rate.

    I understand as a doctor you have a hard profession, however using the victims ( "Have you ever talked to a rape victim?! helped and supported one?") to prove your argument is a bit outrageous. Since we both have our opinions that we seem to disagree, I do not want to go back and forth on this topic. However I look forward to your other articles since it helps me learn the opinions of others on all contemporary issues facing India ( from the views of coastal mangaloreans). I have to thank Daijiworld for creating this forum for discussion.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 03 2014

    Maria,
    You seem to harp on about statistics and i have no emotional, sympathetic or moral understanding of why! Seriously! Whether it is 1,10 or 100% - TO ME IT IS HIGH because i would like for India to have 0% rape rate. I dont think any sort of statistics in this regard will provide a feel good factor because it is LESS than some other country! "we can compare the stats with Scandinavian countries" is what you said, AND DO WHAT?! go to all those victims and provide them solace with these stats?! 'India has collected stats and we are better than some other countries when it comes to rape, so HURRAH! Where are your priorities?!?!
    The 'one of the readers' you mentioned here is my mother. As a doctor i worked late nights and sometimes even returned home at 3-4am. So to put your ridiculous assumptions to rest, NO my freedom wasnt 'curtailed' and i wasnt restricted at home. I was on duty, but a mother's fear will always remain. As for your confusion whether it is 'mass hysteria' that is the cause for alarming rates of gang rapes being brought to our attention, that is a very PATHETIC suggestion. It's a slap on the faces of those victims in a way. Have you ever talked to a rape victim?! helped and supported one? Go to those families and talk to them about stats and please come back here and comment on 'how much a damn they really give!' Are you living in a bubble of denial that you are oblivious to the thousands making statements blaming victims?!

  • Maria, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 03 2014

    I don't understand why some readers, specially when people dont agree with their opinion, feel the need to accuse others of victim shaming.

    There is a need for proper statisitcs, I dont understand why you are restiant to this idea, may be you are writing to play on the readers emotions, I cant figure it out.

    If the reason you did't provide stats is becuase lack of stats I apologise. However, then India needs to accumulate proper statisitics on what their incidents of raper are. This way we can compare the stats with Scandinivan countries, which seem to be most safest place in this world along with Women having the most rights.

    India might have the lowest rape crime (again not sure about the stat), but the media could be blowing it up and make it seem like women shouldn't be stepping out of the house.

    As a matter of fact one of the readers said she was scared when her daughter leaves her house. The media could be feeding into the fear of the mother and the mother could be curtailing her daughters freedom because of this fear.

    Culturally women were told by husbands or family not to step out of the house, becuase they would get kidnapped or raped. This was a way keeping women in check(control) i,e. not provide the freedom the women needed.

    Withou statitics it is hard to prove if there is high rate of rape incidents or just mass hysteria.

  • Michelle De Souza Hydrick, Goa, India/ Charleston SC USA

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Pramod
    So you assume that women are mules or chattel that need "control"
    From what I see these rapist men need control in the form of severe beatings for not being able to control their urges. Your argument is a bit threatening say "if you dare". Do you hear yourself? That is the stupidest argument ever heard!

  • florine roche, Mangalore

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Yes Pamela I do agree with you. many a time it is women along with men who use the choicest diatribes against such incidents and put the blame on the victims. it is our mindset saying women should be coy and sacrifice their freedom just because some beasts are roaming around for their prey to rape. You have said it aptly. keep it up

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Dear Richard,
    Thank you for your kind words and yes, as you have rightly pointed it out - it does in a way prove my point about certain sections of our society that sidetrack from the issue at hand only to nitpick on trivial nonsense of absolute zilch value. They have this undying need to compare one atrocity to another so that in doing so, they can ensure a goodnight's sleep because, 'statistically', we are much better than some other country! Baffling isnt it?! :)

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Pramod,
    When you get really hungry, do you eat anything you can lay your hands on be it food or wood? I hope not. You have the sensibility to discern what you can and cannot eat. You have CONTROL. But, if it is food and you're eating to satisfy your hunger, do you care if the food in front of you is 'traditional' or 'western'? This hunger that rapists satisfy is something much more carnal than the above analogy. The meat (as they see the female body) to them is just that! Flesh they can claim to satisfy their insatiable hunger. They do not care if it is in front of them dressed with traditional or western drapes. They need it and they see to it that they take it. If need be, then, they kill too!

  • Richard D Souza, Doha

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Dear Dr.Pamela,
    Your article is a reality. However the way you need to explain and defend yourself to so many here on the forum exposes the mentality of our society , the factory of rapists. Of late we have seen the most embarrassing episodes of rapes, fathers raping daughters, women as old as 80 getting raped and one case in Kerala where a son rapes a mother. These are not isolated cases, but our society which is morally sick likes to take all this with a pinch of salt just like the corruption is tolerated. We do not need to know the statistics to know the extent of this moral bankruptsy. Daily new is sufficient to open sensible eyes.The religious hypocrisy along with easy availability of porn on internet has brought out the worst in Indians. However any one exposing this cancer will continue to get nasty comments due to the false self image some people like to put on.
    Keep writing. Truth is always bitter, and for some people truth is an abominable lie since it makes them uncomfortable.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Thank you Pramod,
    Not for anything but for just proving my point to Maria, Periera and the others. You say Western clothes make a man rape a woman because if she wears something, 'western' she invites rape. So the 6 year old was wearing western clothes that made the rapists want to commit such an act and that was justified?! Do you feel like raping women when you see them in Western clothes? Nuns were raped in Orissa because, what, they were prancing in mini skirts? Instead of saying control the girl from wearing 'western', CONTROL those MEN (who have that urge to rape) to keep it in their pants!

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Dear Joe,
    You've struck the nail right on the head as i had wanted to elaborate in my article but feared the length would render it a bit boring :)
    YESSSS! For the hundreth time now, women around have mentioned how lyrics, dialogues, dance item(?) numbers, movies and the innuendos make it worse rather than helping the cause. For a famous celebrity to dance to a song saying, "Im your chicken, come eat me and your whiskey, come drink me!" is bizarre beyond belief! And it isnt even for the plot of the movie! so many people keep saying, India has gone corrupt and X amount of money is always asked as bribe for a certain job to be done. Do we care then that India is 'less corrupt' than any other place? You speak of the place you live in. It doesnt mean that you DONT care if it happens anywhere else nor does it mean that it's ok because it is less in a degree when compared to another country. It simply means there is corruption in India. Period.
    Maria, http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=181232
    a small example of the pub attack in Mangalore and some comments are by THAT section of the society that i mentioned. Some people i have met too, say this about the victims. I work with rape, suicide attempted and all such victims of the society. So please refrain from being personal when the article wasnt about you. just to make myself crystal clear for the nth time - IT IS AN ARTICLE ON RAPISTS IN INDIA!

  • Pramod, Kundapura

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Women wearing western clothes are inviting rape as men think that she has too much freedom from her family and there is no one to question her,this makes her more vulnerable in the eyes of men,if she were more traditional in her dressing then men will see her as a girl who has greater control from her family and there are people in her house who control her and protect her .. This is the mentality.If anybody disagrees with my opinion then you can oppose me and continue with your daring but self harming risky activities.. Western clothes don't work in India..Also death penalty has to be strictly enforced to discourage rape.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Dear Pereira and Maria, why is it automatically being assumed that my article is in comparison to some other country?! Yes i said 'high in stats'. I did not say HIGHER than so and so. I have compared the stats if anything to the the stats of other fields within India (the rest of the para as pointed by Maria states that), for eg. stats of unemployment and health within India. If X comes first in class - we consider them extremely bright, now if you were to compare X to Y who came first in university, does that make X less intelligent?! How is it that when something as a matter of rape is being spoken about based on the experience of the reader and the current atrocities still on-going, suddenly people become defensive and say, 'but we're better than that other country!' Who cares? Do those people whose women were raped care if America is the highest in stats?! Can we go and comfort those victims saying 'Oh dont you worry, at least you werent raped by an Arab?' I dont even understand why the defensive attitude towards Indians when the topic of discussions is based on RAPISTS IN INDIA.
    Maria, Spiritual Guru Asaram Bapu said victims should call the rapists 'brother', Sheila Dikshit's controversial remarks etc etc are some of the examples my article targets as THAT section of the society. Why are you taking it personally, you are neither the rapist nor the section i was referring to (sincerely hope). What makes you think I am NOT STANDING with the victims?! You dont even KNOW me

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Dear Pereira,
    To say, 'If you are trying to compare India to Western world or are trying to show Indian men lack morality,you might be wrong.' Pray do tell which sentence in my article even remotely suggested i was making a comparison?! Again, I have met courteous men in India, and the men in my family (like yours)are also courteous. However, i can not stress enough to mention that the men i am referring to in my article are the RAPISTS. I have not once said 'all Indian men', neither have i said 'the men around me ALL acted that way' nor have i anywhere mentioned that 'Indian men are ALL Rapists'! If i write an article on a particular breed of rabbits, then my whole article would be about THAT particular breed of rabbits. I dont think that it would be necessary throughout such an article to keep mentioning 'this particular breed of rabbits' until the end of the article, to ensure that the readers do not (somewhere along the article) think i have suddenly started discussing about ALL RABBITS.

  • Joe Britto, Nakre/Bangalore

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Nice and correct comments by Pamela on the sad happenings. It's still sadder to see the insensitive opinions expressed by our politicians. The fault lines are also due to poor quality of movies and violence we see on the TV serials and the way in which gadgets are being misused to propagate porn especially amongst the teens & pre teens.Values have gone for big toss and only recognition is for money power and position and greed to achieve instant fame . The entire system needs a through cleansing starting from kindergarten to post graduation and beyond as well.

  • Christine Pinto, Mangalore / Kuwait

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Hi puta,

    It’s an excellent write up!! I really loved it. Now days, it is very difficult for the girls to step out of the house i.e. to play, friend’s house, school, parties, weddings, etc.

    A girl's mother especially in INDIA is always very scared until her daughter comes home safely!! This sort of a feeling only girl’s mother will have!! Anyways, no doubt all mothers go through the same feelings.

    Beautiful article, keep writing and express your feelings through your write ups.

    God Bless you,
    With lots of love,
    Dad, Mom and brother

  • Maria Rodrigues, Mangalore

    Sat, Aug 02 2014


    "It’s mind-boggling to see a country high with stats when it comes to... of all things... RAPE."

    You started the article stating high statistics of rape, but failed to show or mention the statistics.

    I don't think anyone is shaming the vicitms in India. Have you seen the number of people protest in Delhi and Bangalore against lack of police action against the rapists. The protestors, NGO's etc are the people who stand with the victims not YOU.

  • Pereira, Mangalore/USA

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Dr. Pinto,
    I have read your other work(poems) on this site . Which were wonderful. However I have to disagree with the contents of the article. It seems you spent a really very short time in India and made general assumptions about Indian men. Your article could have been about rape that happens around the world, but instead you focus on rapes in India, which I believe is lower than most parts of the world.

    If you are trying to compare India to Western world or are trying to show Indian men lack morality,you might be wrong. I want to point out rape culture is prevalent in American prisons and general public do not condone it. As a matter of fact threat of rape by other prisoners is used by correction officers to keep prisoners in check.

    Also wanted to point my sister is currently visiting and has been backpacking throughout India for the past two months. She hasn't run into any kind scenarios you mention in this article. As a matter of fact all men were courteous to her.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Thank you Mohammed,
    We need to make people aware as you have rightly said, it starts small but becomes powerful with numbers! we need to stop caring about what India looks like and start movements to prevent this atrocious deed from happening. India is a beautiful country, sadly these rapists somehow represent India and hence India's name is dragged to the mud. This isnt a game of cricket that talk about patriotism is brought into the discussion. i dont consider rapists to be of any race or nationality. They are just RAPISTS just as terrorists are terrorists - they dont belong to any particular country, community, caste, race or religion. The day people see that and realise it is a fight against this inhumane act, an awareness about how the worth of humanity being shredded by humans themselves - that is the day our mothers, daughters, sister, wives and all women on this planet will have some sense of security.

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Dear Kurt,
    As always, loved your comments. That is precisely my point which Maria Rodrigues has failed to see. How this article is a hate speech about India or how she perceived it to be 'unpatriotic' - i fail to understand.
    This article Maria, sheds light on RAPISTS and RAPE VICTIMS in our Indian society. I am an Indian and so are my parents, my brother, my family, a majority of my friends, as are you and the people you know. These are NOT the kind of people i am talking about. You needed statistics for ? I mean, will a statistics of 1% in comparison to the rest of the world make it tolerable to have rape going on so rampantly in our Indian society? Or will a statistics of 10% make it still better than say, America? Why do i need statistics to know what happens to the women in India unless one turns a blind eye and dwells in their own secure bubble oblivious to what the reality around them is? Did you know thousands of women get raped in their homes, villages and don't (rather CANT)speak of it. And you're worried about patriotism? I didn't tarnish the constitution,the anthem,the pledge or anything that is considered patriotic. I spoke about rapists who happen to be INDIANS in INDIA. These are the people I have spoken about. Ive also spoken about those people who belong to that section of society, who blame the victims of rape. If you consider standing up for the victims of rape and shaming such rapists as being 'unpatriotic' - then oh well, I worry about the state of India.

  • Kurt Waschnig, Oldenburg, Germany

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Dear Pamela, thank you for writing and state all information. Regards Kurt

  • Kurt Waschnig, Oldenburg, Germany

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    Newspapers in Germany like Die Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Die Süddeutsche Zeitung, reported on the incident in Subalpur village in West Bengal and on a 16-year-old girl who set herself on fire. She died from her injuries on New Year´s Eve eight days after the second attack.
    The 16-year-old girl was attacked and raped by six men in October 2013. After reporting it to the police, the same men raped her again. And the international media and Indian newspapers reported on many other cases od abuse and rape in India.
    Law enforcement officials in India have a history of not taking reports of rape very seriously, failing to thoroughly investigate more than half of all rape cases reported to them according to Indian newspapers.
    For example, one of the top ranked police officials in India, Ranjit Sinha, said the following, “if you can´t prevent rape, you should enjoy it.”
    While this statement may have been careless on Mr. Sinha´s part, it shows that certain beliefs regarding women and rape are largely internalized.
    From a human rights perspective, this statement is outrageous, degrading and deeply concerning. It implies that women are not victims of rape they should simply adopt a new attitude and the whole problem will respectively blow over. But women certainly are victims of rape, particularly in India, where one rape is said to occur every 20 minute. The gang rape and resulting death of a New Delhi student activated a similar outrage through India and the world. Directly following this case, the Indian government set up a commission to the law.
    Enforcing laws regarding rape is difficult because much of the problem comes from the internalization of attitudes such as misogyny, tradition and patriarchy. These ideals are set in stone from a very young age, beginning with ive abortion . In a society where men are valued above women, the roots of the issue run extremely deep.
    Many women do not want to appear in court they are merely traumatised and shamed further through the experience. There is fear that speaking out will lead to ostracism by their communities or families, since rape is viewed as a loss of their honour. This perspective sheds immense light onto victim blaming. When a woman is raped, she is often viewed as being responsible for the rape herself. Many women are questioned in courts about their whereabouts and if they have the protection of someone in public.
    After the Delhi gang raping, and the rape of the 16-year-old girl and the rape in Subalpur village, is it pretty clear that Indian law has only changed on paper. Laws and attitudes must change together in order for a true transformation to occur.

    Best regards


    Kurt Waschng, Oldenburg/Germany

    email: oldenburg1952@yahoo.de   

  • Maria Rodrigues, Mangalore

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    This is a unpatriotic article against India. Totally disagree with Dr. Pamela Pinto. Article does not any statistics.

  • Express your feelings......, open up your problems

    Sat, Aug 02 2014

    friends....
    I'm Mohammed Ramees, a student social worker.
    As a student and youth i'm sure thati can do something against rape.... but when i'm raising my voice as a person it is not that much louder, but i'm sure that if the students really interested and they think that this has to be stoped.... they can do somany things as a move ment, it should be start from college and can spread by community to whole world. .....
    Remember it's time to act.... not only for name sake and a news..... for a better result.... to ensure security of our mother, sister, wife, frnd, and all individual of our country..
    we can work for others when we really consider that"India is my country and all Indian are my brother and sister"

  • Pamela.Pinto, Wellington, NZ, Kuwait

    Fri, Aug 01 2014

    Hi Suresh,
    Thank you for your comment. Yes, i unloaded the obvious here but not many people KNOW it is obvious. I highlighted the mindset of some section of the society that pretend to brood on the how's and why's of this ghastly occurrence by blaming the victims. As for a solution, there is none. Well at least not a tried and tested one. Yes capital punishments exist, castrations in some countries too. But the actual solution stems from teaching our men and boys - MORALS. An amalgamation of instilling the BIGGER picture about how NOT to objectify women and maybe boycotting our movies wherein every song, line or innuendo is derogatory to women. Little boys these days whistle out to women passing and they cite lines from songs! How all this is taken in jest is beyond me. But yes, we need to do something about it and it has to start from home. After all, isn't the cliched 'Prevention' better than the much sought after 'Cure'?! :)

  • Suresh Nayak, Mangalore

    Fri, Aug 01 2014

    Hi,
    Nice write up. You have unloaded all the profanities on these happenings which are a disgrace to any society. As an activist and a Doctor, some solutions need to be included. Problems everyone knows here. How about some comparative statistics of prevention of Rape and the punishment in western countries (may be in New Zealand where you are located or Australia).
    Looking forward to your next write up on Moral Policing as you mentioned.


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