With reference to the editorial, "Still no country for women" (December 16), I agree with the view of the editorial. Social norms play an important role in combating rape. Educating and empowering girls and treating them equally at home will not only prevent rape but also prevent men from turning into rapists.
A child who is cared for at home will never commit such a crime. Children require love, care, good food and education in their formative years. I think no criminal or rapist had these benefits in their early years. Criminals are not born; they are made by society. Poverty, lack of education and broken families are breeding grounds for crime. To bring about a change in society, people should change their outlook.
Strict punishment, including capital punishment for rapists (where there is 100 per cent evidence against them), protection for women at all times of the day and a sincere and humanist police force can go a long way in protecting girls and women. Also, rape should be made a non-bailable offence.
Moreover, when there is large-scale unemployment in the country how can we talk of an inadequate police force? Why can't these vacancies be filled by regular recruitment? How can the government boast of women's empowerment when they are not even safe even in the metro cities?
The way cases drag on in courts in India, people and victims might lose faith in the judicial system. Our courts should be revamped and adequately staffed to dispose of cases quickly. Special courts, preferably with women judges and advocates to dispose of cases of crimes against women, should be set up.
Veena Shenoy, Thane
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