Relooking At Sexual Harassment
This topic is discussed so often everywhere, whether it is social media, print or television globally. I did try to find the fact-finding research why it is so rampant in India? But could not find any!
All is talked about to make law stricter and impose severe punishments to the accused. Even many people support the killing of the rapist like the ‘encounter’ killing of the four accused in the ‘Disha’ rape and murder case in Hyderabad by the Hyderabad police which has created controversies wherein other people are also coming to the fore demanding justice.
Death was also awarded in the past as well to accused. My question is very simple whether all these steps/ measures are helping to reduce the harassment or not? The evidence shows otherwise that the crime against women is increasing.
I have been working in this area for past many years and trying to find the reasons why it is rampant and acceptable to society even to women. I had talked to several hundred women including the young students both boys and girls.
We did find the following reasons for the crime against women:
- Lack of Awareness: – Majority of women are not aware what is sexual harassment? They are not aware of their rights and remedies available to them under law. Sexual harassment is considered as a normal behavior and acceptable to them as a way of life.
- Family: – Most of the young students did not report eve teasing to their family for very simple reasons that parents will restrict their moments or will ask their brothers to accompany them. At times it so happened that the young girls did not get support from their family to report the harassment to the authorities.
- Acceptability: – Generally the eve teasing is accepted as a way of life, mainly in Northern I did one experiment where I walked around at several places watching how the people were reacting to the women. There was no major reaction that can be collaborated with the kind of cloths, they are wearing. It is myth that dress makes women more vulnerable. Many people were scared to say anything to women who wore appealing outfit. One of the major harassment forms is staring at the lady in such a manner that where I would not like to comment. Such offenders include of all ages, education, law enforcement officials and even people walking with their family. Nobody says or objects to all this as it is considered a very normal behavior.
- Encouragement: – I asked a very simple question to the young students; Why they do not raise their voice when they see such activities are taking places in front of them? At times the girls move out to the public places with their brothers, who make fun or pass illicit comments at the other girl/girls they see in the market. These girls; the so-called sisters of these brothers do not care and at times even join in this fun-making episode. What a pity and double standards that our society have? This is what is making the situation worse. This is what we all need to understand!
- Habitual / Repeat Offenders: – it is common knowledge that if one person gets away with small crime or mischief / inappropriate behavior, they will repeat the same behavior. It is also established facts that degree of this pattern increases with time till they become criminals. In various researches in USA, it is also found sexual offenders repeat the crime more often.
After considering the various factors and variables, I concluded that the issue of sexual harassment is related to our social / moral values. It cannot be resolved only through harsh punishments and by strict laws. We must educate and spread awareness about this issue particularly in schools and colleges. Also, parents need to understand that what kind values they are passing on to their children. This change in our social/ moral values can be made by the younger generation. Now it is time to stand up for the changes. Not for politics.
Kaviraj Singh
Secretary General & Editorial Committee Advisor