Dead End Roads

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Rape survivors finds it difficult to register case in police stations. India has many laws against rape but gaps exists in enforcing the laws. Laws mandate police officers to register complains but the reality is very different. Police officials neglect the victims and even lethargic in filing FIRs. Police even pressure the family to settlement, if the perpetrator Is from a powerful background. Police officials pressure rape victims to marry any one of the rapists or opt for out of law financial settlement. Most police officers handling rape cases are men and victims have to tell them about their rape. Training on gender sensitisation is not given to police officials. Gender segregation in our society have led to not understanding the opposite gender.          The law have expanded sexual offences to include stalking and voyeurism. These crimes are not reported to police,even if, considered as petty crimes and given warning. At times, even women are shamed for their attire in eve teasing cases.  Doctors have to provide medical treatment free of cost to rape survivors. Forensic evidence collection is considered as prime by doctors. Therapeutic treatment and psychological counselling is not given much importance. Forensic report is considered important in legal proceedings. Degrading practice such as two finger test are still being followed. I remember the pain I underwent when doctor used her fingers for dilation testing for delivery. Two finger test is done to check Hymen and vaginal laxity.  Loose vagina is considered as evidence of character of women, as "loose women". Vagina lose tightness not just of sex; even of hormonal changes, pregnancy ,delivery, ageing,carrying big baby or more than one child. Even if women have sex frequently, not a virgin ,does that mean men can rape. Why rape is associated with honour? . This meme of rape and honour have made rape of women a shame on herself. The child sexual abuse and rape of boys and men are neglected as honour is not associated with their private parts. Rape is not seen as physical and psychological abuse. Health care is considered as a state matter and only few States have accepted the new guidelines. Doctors even insult and blame the victims.
In courts victim blaming and shaming is done based on vaginal laxity reports. The traces of semen are considered as proof of rape. The defense lawyers use derogatory words to threaten the survivor. Often, simple evidences like finger prints and photographs is not collected properly . A rape case trial often takes 5 years to  reach judgement. In some cases, bail is granted for rape convicts. The accused threatens the rape survivors and their family. A Nirbhaya fund is not reaching the needy due to the slow system.
Indian society associates honour of women with rape. Rape victims are ostracized from society. Relatives,neighbours and friends will stop talking to rape victim's and their family. This led many rape victims to commit suicide. Society is generally highly insensitive towards female victims. 

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