Does Death Penalty actually deter rape?

The death penalty in rape cases can create an even more horrific situation — research shows the same

When we protest any crime, we demand the death penalty for the criminal. Right now, during protests against rape, we are demanding the same. But do you really think this will reduce crime? At least according to research from various countries — including our neighboring India — the death penalty for rape has produced negative outcomes. So demanding a punishment is not enough; many contexts must be considered.

The idea that harsh and brutal punishments reduce crime is a popular myth in countries like ours. But data, research, and evidence do not support it. Even after so many “crossfires” in our country, has drug trafficking decreased? Most countries in the world are now abolishing the death penalty; whether our country is ready for that, I don’t know. But research shows that countries which impose brutal punishments actually have higher crime rates. Capital punishment does not reduce crime. Statistics show that countries which abolished physical torture and the death penalty have seen crime rates fall. In fact, some countries have even had to close prisons due to a lack of inmates. There may be other contextual factors too.

Now, does the death penalty work in cases of rape? The death penalty for rape can create an even more horrific situation — Indian research also says this. First, we must understand that mentally healthy, stable people do not commit rape. Does a rapist really think about the law? When a rapist commits the act, he usually assumes he will not face justice. But if he fears that he might receive the death penalty or a very severe punishment, he may kill the victim immediately. He will hope that the crime cannot be proven. This is how a criminal’s mind works — after committing the crime, he tries to eliminate whatever evidence is within reach. Research across many countries shows that attempts to prevent rape through the harshest punishments have backfired. Previously, rapists would often leave the victim alive, but after the introduction of the death penalty or beheading, most victims do not survive to file a complaint. Out of panic and fear, the rapist kills the victim quickly. At that moment, his rational thinking does not function; fear drives him to decisions he might not make otherwise. The fear of the death penalty influences him, and he takes out all that panic on the victim. This is how criminal psychology develops.

As a result, a rape victim who could have survived ends up being killed, leaving nothing to be done. Proving the crime becomes extremely difficult, and the victim’s family collapses emotionally. Therefore, the death penalty or beheading is not helpful in preventing rape — rather, it becomes an obstacle, according to criminologists and sociologists. You can search in English on Google if you want to know more; you will find many articles.