As students of EDU 309, The Arts and Social Studies in the Elementary School with Field Experiences (Pre-Practicum), we sincerely hope that, in discovering our blog, “Violence Against Women: Examining Abuse on a Global and National Scale,” our own research and insights into the abuse of women will inspire you to become more aware, contributing members of this global society and to form your own opinions and outlooks on this prevalent issue.
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| Indian protesters hold candles during a rally in New Delhi on Saturday. |
On December 16, 2012, a 23-year-old female student was brutally raped in New Delhi, India, by several men whilst onboard a moving bus, her male companion beaten by her attackers. Due to the injuries sustained from the attack, including “severe internal injuries caused by the assault…an infection in her lungs and abdomen, liver damage and a brain injury,” the woman died just days later due to organ failure (“Six Charged With Murder in India After Rape Victim’s Death,” The New York Times). The news of this savage act and appalling incident has sparked outrage and violent protests throughout India, with citizens urging the government to improve protection for women and to reform its laws and practices on persecuting rapists, calling for the death penalty to be implemented in cases of rape. “The country’s Supreme Court ruled in 1980 that the death penalty should be used only in the ‘rarest of rare’ cases, and fewer than 50 people have been executed since India’s independence in 1947,” though citizens and various members of the Indian government are now attempting to alter this decades-old decision (The New York Times).
The
recent incidents within India have also prompted Americans to look at our own laws
and actions in cases of rape and violence against women. Within the last month,
the Violence Against Women Act, an act that would provide services, like
shelters and legal help, for abuse victims regardless of their sexual orientation
or immigration status, was voted on in the United States Senate with a majority
of 78 to 22. This act, which was voted on last year, was originally blocked by
the Republican-led House over objections to new protections for gay, immigrant,
and American Indian victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, though one
can only surmise that the horrific rape that took place in India has reawaken this
necessary and pertinent discussion within our own nation (“Renew the Violence Against Women Act,” The New York Times).
(Kathryn’s Response)
Before even delving into this topic and researching the recent events within India and their attempts (as well as our own) to augment and instill laws to prevent abuse and to enact harsher punishments for those convicted of rape or violence, I have always been a firm believer in advocating for not only women’s’ rights but their right to feel safe and protected at all times. This being said, I find it unfortunate that it has taken such a terrific incident for the entire globe to awaken to this issue that has been ongoing for years, decades, centuries, though the only justice that I can see coming out of this situation is that, now, we are forced to confront this pandemic of violence and injustice. As I began my investigation into the horrific rape in India and the current status of the Violence Against Women Act, I found myself both disheartened yet still optimistic as I continued to find article after article about communities, cities, citizens, joining together in the midst of this tragedy to make a difference and have their voice heard. However, as my search for information continued, I stumbled across another, breaking news article. Within it, I learned that three young sisters, ages 11, 9, and 6, were raped and murdered within another area of India, and while I was, again, taken aback, to preserve and honor their memory we must, at this time, urge governments around the world to take action and stop this cycle of violence and molestation. (Article: “3 Adolescent Sisters Raped, Murdered In India; Bodies Recovered From Well,” The Huffington Post.)
(Kathy’s Response)
This topic has always been a subject of interest for me. I just find it so appalling that still in 2013 this violence is still happening; but not that it's just happening, but the way the crimes are being handled are incredibly insufficient. Recently we heard in the news about the horrific rape in India, which was followed by numerous protests. On the optimistic side of things, I guess we could say that with these horrific crimes comes incredible human rights activists, and shows how so many people can come together for a common cause. I find it so inspiring to see so many people come together to advocate for the safety of women, and the fact that it spread from India in the midst of their own struggle, and can be connected to what is going on in our own country in regards to women's rights. But as Kathryn stated, it is pretty sad that it takes such a horrible event to occur in order for so many people to finally come together and do something about it.
Before even delving into this topic and researching the recent events within India and their attempts (as well as our own) to augment and instill laws to prevent abuse and to enact harsher punishments for those convicted of rape or violence, I have always been a firm believer in advocating for not only women’s’ rights but their right to feel safe and protected at all times. This being said, I find it unfortunate that it has taken such a terrific incident for the entire globe to awaken to this issue that has been ongoing for years, decades, centuries, though the only justice that I can see coming out of this situation is that, now, we are forced to confront this pandemic of violence and injustice. As I began my investigation into the horrific rape in India and the current status of the Violence Against Women Act, I found myself both disheartened yet still optimistic as I continued to find article after article about communities, cities, citizens, joining together in the midst of this tragedy to make a difference and have their voice heard. However, as my search for information continued, I stumbled across another, breaking news article. Within it, I learned that three young sisters, ages 11, 9, and 6, were raped and murdered within another area of India, and while I was, again, taken aback, to preserve and honor their memory we must, at this time, urge governments around the world to take action and stop this cycle of violence and molestation. (Article: “3 Adolescent Sisters Raped, Murdered In India; Bodies Recovered From Well,” The Huffington Post.)
(Kathy’s Response)
This topic has always been a subject of interest for me. I just find it so appalling that still in 2013 this violence is still happening; but not that it's just happening, but the way the crimes are being handled are incredibly insufficient. Recently we heard in the news about the horrific rape in India, which was followed by numerous protests. On the optimistic side of things, I guess we could say that with these horrific crimes comes incredible human rights activists, and shows how so many people can come together for a common cause. I find it so inspiring to see so many people come together to advocate for the safety of women, and the fact that it spread from India in the midst of their own struggle, and can be connected to what is going on in our own country in regards to women's rights. But as Kathryn stated, it is pretty sad that it takes such a horrible event to occur in order for so many people to finally come together and do something about it.
