Hyderabad: Even as there is a 28 per cent surge in cases of rape of minors over last year, many cases go unreported because of societal taboos and fear of reprisal.
Recently, police nabbed 10 people in Neredmet for allegedly raping a minor girl after offering her a drug-laced drink. She became pregnant as a result of the rape. In another case, a 10-year old girl was kidnapped by two men who befriended her in Kacheguda and gang-raped her.
In another case, a driver with a ride-hailing app was accused of the rape of a 16-year old girl in Secunderabad. In yet another case, a minor girl was raped by five minors and an 18-year old in Hyderabad in May.
A rape victim not only experiences social stigma, her fight for justice is never-ending and the system often finds fault with her, said senior advocate Abdul Samad. “Our society still treats it as a taboo and doesn't report it. We need to create a safe and supportive environment for children to speak out and report such crimes,” Samad said.
Victims are confronted with hostile conditions at police stations and have been pressured to withdraw cases. Ince a case goes to trial, it can take decades before it is resolved.
Meanwhile, the victim and her family goes through hell. Because the process is arduous, the victims often buckle under pressure from their families that of the perpetrators.
“Sexual abuse leaves deep scars on the victims and their families. But it is our responsibility to change that narrative. We need to create a society where our children feel safe and supported, where they can speak out without fear of judgment or reprisal,” said V. Sandhya Rani, national convener of the Progressive Organisation for Women.
“As a social worker, I've seen the devastating impact of sexual abuse on victims and their families. Besides, the strength, resilience and the courage it takes to speak out against the abuse,” she said.
Parents often leave their children in the care of neighbors which can lead to vulnerable situations where children can be lured by predators and subjected to rape.
It is important to educate parents and caregivers to recognise the signs of child sexual abuse and to report any suspicious behavior, said psychologist Bharath. The culture of reporting sexual abuse without hesitation is key to strengthen vigilance.
“We should teach young children about appropriate boundaries, healthy relationships, good touch and bad touch and consent. We need to teach them that it's okay to say no and that they have the right to control their own bodies,” Bharath explained.
Dr Shravan Kumar Gandhi, a senior doctor, said: “As a society, we have the responsibility to protect our children from sexual abuse. We need to support children who have been victims of sexual abuse. We need to make them understand that we believe them, support them, and help them heal and ensure that they receive counseling, therapy, and care they need to recover from their trauma.”
Educational institutions should incorporate special lectures and create awareness on minor rapes to prevent girl children from being vulnerable to those conditions. Educational system brings light in many lives bringing the importance of mental resilience. By preparing students mentally, we can empower them to protect themselves, Dr Gandhi added.
Drugs and alcohol play a pivotal role in increasing the vulnerability to rape cases. “Whether they are minors or adults, under the influence of drugs, individuals often fail to understand the complexity of the crime and may act according to their wishes. It is important for parents to monitor their children's behaviour closely,” said an official with the woman safety wing police.
