Let the violence never begin

Let this world be safe for women – let it be free from rapists

Let the silence of victims end. Let the violence never begin.

The discussion that began after the Nirbhaya incident was not merely about the judgment of a crime – it was a moment of national introspection. The horrific gang rape that occurred in Delhi, India, in December 2012 was not just an act of brutality against one woman; it exposed the deeply rooted distorted mindset, the fragility of the legal system, and the long-standing erosion of cultural and moral values within society.

Is rape a sudden mistake, or a deliberate distortion?
Many believed that rapists might have committed a mistake in the heat of the moment and would eventually feel remorse. But when the mindset of Nirbhaya’s rapists was analyzed, it became clear that they did not even consider their actions to be wrong. In fact, they stated that if given the chance, they would do it again. Their justification was that if women go out late at night or wear Western clothing, raping them is not a crime. This attitude is not only perverse – it reflects a deep-seated hatred and disregard for women in society.

Rape is a social disease, not just a personal one
Analyzing such crimes reveals that rape is not merely the result of individual deviance. It is a reflection of long-term systemic failure. Where the rule of law is weak, judicial processes are slow, and punishment is uncertain, criminals are emboldened. While developed countries focus on rehabilitation and psychological reform of offenders, our country continues to build new court buildings – signaling a rise in crime, but not addressing its root causes.

Lack of education and family values
The mindset of rapists is shaped by specific social and familial contexts. If respect for women is not taught at home, if gender equality is not discussed in schools, the next generation will not develop that sense of respect. In our society, taboos still exist around women’s freedom, clothing, and mobility. Breaking these taboos must begin at home, in schools, and through the media.

Cultural infrastructure and the distortion of entertainment
Today, social media – especially TikTok and Facebook – has become the primary source of entertainment for youth. Instead of nurturing talent, the focus is on going viral. Reading books, engaging in debates, exploring literature, or pursuing creative activities is being replaced by vulgar and shallow content. This cultural decline is influencing young minds and contributing to crimes like rape.

The relationship between morality and politics
The practice of moral values begins at home but expands through politics. If politics becomes solely a means of gaining power, it encourages selfishness and oppression instead of justice and humanity. If young people do not read books or learn history, how will they understand politics? Politics then becomes a game of power, not a model of leadership.

Rape: A chronic disease of a nation
If we view rape only as a criminal act, finding a solution becomes difficult. It is the result of long-term social, cultural, and moral decay. It is not just a tumor- it has now evolved into cancer. Its remedy cannot come from law alone; it requires a comprehensive transformation – across education, culture, family, politics, and public consciousness.

[Pic: Wikimedia, CC]