By John Q. Hosedrinker It absolutely baffles me to think that there are still places in the world where marital rape is not considered a crime. The recent statement from the India government claiming that criminalizing marital rape is ‘excessively harsh’ is not only shocking but also deeply concerning. Marital rape is a violation of human rights, plain and simple. The fact that India, along with countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia, still allows this heinous act to go unpunished is a stark reminder of the long road ahead for gender equality and women’s rights.
The very idea that criminalizing any form of rape could be considered excessive is absurd. Rape, in any form, is a violent and traumatic act that causes immeasurable harm to the victim. It is a gross violation of personal autonomy and a complete disregard for the dignity and rights of the individual. To argue that protecting victims of marital rape may lead to disturbances in the institution of marriage is not only archaic but also dangerous. Allowing such a harmful practice to continue under the guise of preserving marriage is a gross miscarriage of justice.
The statistics speak for themselves – 1 in 25 women in India are victims of marital rape. Let that sink in. This is not just a number; these are real people, real women who are suffering at the hands of their partners. To think that the government would rather protect the abusers than the victims is a grave injustice. The statement by the Indian government that criminalizing marital rape may impact the conjugal relationship is a completely misguided and harmful stance to take.
The fact that 93% of married women in India have arranged marriages adds another layer of complexity to this issue. These women often have no say in choosing their partners and are left vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. The very institution of marriage should not be used as a shield to cover up such atrocities. It is high time that the Indian government takes a firm stand against marital rape and works towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all its citizens.
It is clear that there is a long way to go before attitudes towards gender-based violence and women’s rights change in India. The government’s reluctance to criminalize marital rape is not only regressive but also deeply concerning. It is imperative that the voices of survivors are heard, and their rights are protected. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of so many women who continue to endure abuse behind closed doors. India has the potential to be a progressive and inclusive society, but it must first address the deep-rooted issues that allow for such injustices to persist.
In conclusion, the Indian government’s stance on criminalizing marital rape is not only disappointing but also dangerous. It is high time that the voices of survivors are amplified, and concrete steps are taken to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their marital status, are protected from violence and abuse. Let us not forget that the fight for gender equality is far from over, and we must continue to push for change until all individuals are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.