The recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, India, sent shockwaves across the nation and the world. It was a grim reminder of how sexual violence remains a persistent problem in societies the world over. 

On August 9, morning, the dead body of a 31-year-old doctor trainee was found lying in the seminar room of RG Kar Hospital. Reports state that there was evidence of assault and injury all over her body. Instead of automatically informing the parents of the murder, the hospital lied and mentioned that the woman, whose name cannot be disclosed, died of suicide. Later on, it was discussed that the perpetrator was no other than her own fellow coworker, adding to the distress and disturbance of the circumstance.

The circumstances surrounding this case, though utterly distressing, need to be seen as not an isolated incident but instead a sliver of a deep-seated and systemic issue.

Women protesting for a safe work environment after the rape and death incident in Kolkata. Women all over the country and world are feeling sympathy towards the victims’ family. 

Statistics globally paint an even worse picture: The WHO, or World Health Organization, estimates that one in every three women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. That is a staggering figure, indicating the persistence of this crisis at wide dimensions.

Sexual violence causes include complex and multifaceted factors, including cultural attitudes, gender inequity, and lack of access to justice, which have a great role in this issue. 

The cultural attitude of many societies towards women and girls perceives them as property, mere objects under the patriarchal thumb. This perpetuates an environment that normalizes or even justifies sexual violence.

Addressing sexual violence requires a global approach: specific laws and their enforcement by governments, investment in law enforcement, access to justice for victims, and support services at adequate levels. In general, harmful cultural attitudes need to be challenged and gender equality promoted.

Prevention through education and awareness is the best way to fight against sexual violence. Showing our youth what a healthy relationship looks and feels like; and teaching consent and respect for one another goes a long way in developing a more equitable, safe community. Even more importantly, it empowers victims to report crimes with no fear of stigma or retaliation.

The Kolkata rape case is a grim reminder of the urgency that addresses the global problem of sexual violence. Tragic as the circumstances are in this case, it is part of a far larger crisis that requires collective action. We can collectively try to make a difference by challenging harmful attitudes, strengthening laws, and providing support to victims so that everyone, irrespective of their gender, can walk freely with dignity and respect.