Award stiffer punishment for gender violence

About a year ago, techie Swathi was hacked by Ramkumar in a public place in broad daylight, for refusing his advances. Months later, on Sunday, a girl was attacked outside her home for spurning her lover, but little has been done to ensure the safety of women, even as such incidents are on the rise.

Shruthi, a 29-year-old assistant director, recalled her recent experience of dealing with the police. “I underwent a traumatic experience at 11 pm after work, where I contacted the police for assistance. Instead of helping me, they asked why I was outside at that hour. While there are a few good cops who listen to women and help, the number of such police is rather low. This is just an example of how women’s safety is not given the importance it deserves. Within relationships, when a girl says no, it is a no. The boys should be taught this at a young age, which we, as a society, are not doing,” she said. 

Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Founder Trustee, SNEHA Suicide Prevention Centre, said that both girls and boys should be taught about a positive relationship with the opposite sex. “Teach the boys to view the members of the opposite sex as individuals with their own opinions and ambitions. Youngsters should be taught that the other person has a right to refuse their advances. A healthy relationship with the other sex will help them cope better with interpersonal issues later. The focus, during adolescence, should be on building friendships and parents should encourage that,” said the psychiatrist. 

Parents, too, have an important role to play, pointed out Dr Lakshmi, a consultant for World Health Organisation (WHO). “Parents should understand that it is normal at this age, for youngsters to get attracted to the opposite sex. If the child is under 18, give them their space, but also be firm about curfews. In most cases, parents come down hard on the children, which makes it difficult for the latter to open up,” added Dr Lakshmi. 

K R Renuka, Founder, Centre for Women’s Development and Research (CWDR), said that the government should take stringent action against gender violence. 

“Boys think they can get away with anything and the court cases drag for years. We need to fast track the process and ensure sterner punishments, to send out a message against such acts of violence. In addition, gender sensitisation training should be given in schools. The government should ensure safe public spaces for women,” concluded the activist.