The silence that makes room for rape

The article discusses the prevalence of rape in public spaces in Delhi and the role that witnesses play in these incidents. The author recalls the 2012 Nirbhaya case, in which six men brutally assaulted a young woman on a bus, and how the city rallied together in protest, leading to changes in laws. However, the author argues that despite these changes, rape has not ceased to occur.

The article emphasizes that a woman walking in a park, a street, or a bus should not be seen as a warning or a subject of debate about her clothing. The author criticizes the metaphorical description of a rapist as a "hungry animal" feasting on his victim, instead asserting that the rapist is a man who makes a choice and must be held accountable.

The piece calls for action from bystanders, urging them to intervene, call for help, or create a supportive environment when witnessing an assault. The author emphasizes that rape is not an Indian-specific issue and that the responsibility lies not with the woman but with the broader society and institutions that shape societal norms and expectations.

The article concludes by highlighting the lasting impact of rape on survivors and society at large, particularly when perpetrators hold influential positions.