“Rape” as a word is no longer unfamiliar or frowned upon…all thanks to the sensationalism of the same. But ‘Rape’ as an act is as inhuman and cruel as cannibalism or cold blooded murder. It may not hit so well to people since it has become a favourite topic of the newspapers, but let’s not forget that it’s a crime which needs stricter actions.
Some argue that Rape should be “controlled” in a manner that there should be zero attempts of the same. To suggest, satisfying the so-called physical needs. Given the Indian cultural bubble where having a live-in relationship is a concept recently hatched, some extremely intelligent albeit stress on the legalization of prostitution. According to these, if people have access to fulfill their “needs” they might not attempt for something like rape.
Let me explain you why this is not only a bad idea, but also mind numbingly stupid!
Firstly, do you see every man or woman raping someone around you? No right? It’s not the physical needs but the mentality of a person that gives rise to these actions. It is the lack of dire consequences that encourage such acts. Legalizing prostitution will just encourage trafficking. From a naive kindergarten child to an adult going to a coffee shop, all will be then under the constant radar of the pimps. Not only will it expand the industry, but also will be seen as a means of earning money. Since now open bars are already legal, all unwilling, kidnapped people will be puppets for business. Let’s count child trafficking, kidnapping, adult and child prostitution here.
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| Source: www.huffingtonpost.com |
Now, there’s another argument stating that it shall help protect women and encourage woman rights. Seriously, how?
They’ll in fact be the raw materials of these businessmen (pimps). Women will be seen as objects for selling. If not selling then probable prospects to force them to be one. Either ways, they aren’t safe. Even though health checks are conducted, the rise of STD’s are inevitable. If a woman chooses her partner, there would’ve been no use for trafficking or even an illegal “business” named prostitution.
“According to the National Crime Records Bureau2013 annual report, 24,923 rape cases were reported across India in 2012. Out of these, 24,470 were committed by someone known to the victim (98% of the cases).” This data shoes that these ill minded people look for opportunity within their circle.
And lets face it, even though prostitution is illegal, it’s still prevalent and hows that helping? Rapists like what they do. They would rather prefer an unwilling and naive human than a willing one and that’s the only reason why we hear rapes of young children and general public.
Victims become more vulnerable to abuse than ever. No one sat down and penned their decision to become a prostitute. It’s more of a survival adaptation which these people were put into. Legalizing prostitution will give the power to dominate this “survival tactic” situation as a widely accepted rule. It’s also difficult for prostitutes to leave prostitution due to the fear of their pimps. Legalizing this will again force them to live in such situations. I feel the solution to this widespread problem is Education. Educating people about safe sex and making them understand what consent means is important. If this is backed up with stricter laws and avoidance of Political prowess and sensationalism, rape wouldn’t be an issue.
