Rape survivors need help, not more sufferings

When it comes to serving justice for rape and other forms of gender-based violence, one of the objectives of a proper legal system should be to minimise the distress of survivors, who have already gone through tremendous suffering. Yet, responsible public institutions including our judiciary continue to lengthen or complicate survivors' quest for justice, with obstacles put in their way from the very beginning. A recent report by this daily has once again brought this reality to the fore, narrating the experiences of some survivors seeking justice.

The women and their relatives explained how, on top of the immense mental distress they had to endure because of the rape incidents, they also had to face financial burdens after being blackmailed by their tormentors, as well as the costs of a lengthy trial including that of bringing witnesses to courts. These costs could have been avoided if only our legal system prioritised speedy delivery of justice to rape survivors. Unfortunately, the Crime Victims Compensation Act, proposed by the Law Commission 15 years ago, remains in draft form to this day. Under it, the state would be responsible for compensating victims of violent offences, including covering their medical and legal expenses.

The barriers for rape survivors are not just financial. They also have to navigate an unhelpful, often hostile environment to pursue justice. It's a trend that starts with inaction or lack of initiative by responsible institutions to ensure security of women and girls in general. This, today, also extends to the digital space. According to a recent study commissioned by ActionAid Bangladesh, only 14.91 percent of the women surveyed were found to have submitted formal complaints against online violence, while more than 85 percent of the sufferers remained silent. The lack of interest to file complaints can be explained by the fact that at least 64.71 percent of respondents said that they did not receive any redressal after registering complaints. This lack of response can hugely discourage victims from reaching out for help.

What all this shows is how the authorities are failing to protect victims and potential victims of sexual violence, both online and offline. Given the social stigma, mental trauma and financial burdens that rape survivors as well as other victims of sexual harassment have to go through as a result of the crimes committed against them, ensuring that necessary legal and administrative infrastructure is in place and functional is the minimum that the state can do for them.

We urge the authorities, including the judiciary and police, to take these issues seriously. They must undertake necessary measures and reforms to ensure that survivors of sexual violence feel empowered while seeking justice for themselves. It is a long-overdue need that our legal system and law enforcement agencies become trustworthy allies of survivors, rather than contributors to their unending woes.