Are Women To Be Blamed For Rape?

By Muhammed Fazl –May 26, 2015

Muhammed Fazl

“And among His signs is this that He has created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them; and He has put love and mercy between you…” – [Quran – 30:21]

Committed in the name of love of women, out of hatred or as a punishment, incidents of rape are definitely on the rise. While the act of rape needs to be considered as a violation of a woman’s (in most cases) right to her body and honor, and not just as a forced sexual act, it is important to address this burning issue taking into consideration all related matters and in a comprehensive manner, including highlighting the importance of preventive measures.

Vidya Sivayoganathan, a beautiful flower, breathed her last few days back after enduring untold brutalities in a supposedly civilized world. Having attended a candle-lit vigil at Colombo’s Independence Square yesterday in memory of the victim, I believe the need to address and contain this inhumane criminal trend should figure among the top priorities of any government in power.

While seeking home-grown solutions, one must have an open mind and it should be tailor-made to suit our country and society. Civil societies and feminist movements may want the death penalty imposed and or bail denied for suspects, but I am of the view that a holistic approach is needed, hence the need to begin examining,

• The root causes of rape with emphasis and studies on the mentality of the average local male and of each and every known perpetrator.
• Exiting laws and traditional preventive measures.
• Existing and possible psychological counselling facilities for victims.
• Possible enactments of guidelines/laws for public and private behavior of both sexes.
• Possible regular media campaigns in protecting the rights and honor of the weaker sex.
• The possibility of enacting laws against immodesty in dress codes when in public and the possible implementation of laws against nudity and objectification of women for commercial gain on all formats of the media.
• Suitable methods of punishments and as a deterrent.

While studies have revealed that male rapists in general don’t suffer from any particular medical conditions that could relate to their violent behavior, I believe contributory factors include sexual deprivation, obsessive behavior, broken families, lack of education, poverty, infidelity in relationships (on the part of their women), jealousy, and hardcore pornography among others. Being introverts in nature and more often than not, identifying or profiling rapists before the crime is committed is in no way an easy task either.Read More