[thread on rape convictions]

Despite increasing sexual violence towards women, the conviction rates of rape remain depressingly low (barely 2%)
Despite the anti-rape laws passed in 2014, there haven't been any prominent changes in the way such cases are dealt.
#motorwayincident

Victims either choose to not register formal complaints, owning to social pressure and stigma, or if they do go forth with filing the FIRs, they end up settling outside the court as more often than not, they are threatened by the accused parties to withdraw their cases.

The very few victims who are able to counter the threats, & pressure from society or influencial folks of jirgas/panchayats/elders end up living in the trauma by recalling the incident again & again during trails & often give up in face of desensitized & weak judicial procedures.

Rape needs to be considered as a grave crime (akin to murder) & a non-compoundable offense that it is, by everyone but especially by those responsible for providing justice. Settlements outside the court should not be a reason to dismiss rape cases. They should still be pursued.

What needs to change immediately & drastically is the system that reinforces impunity for accused. What needs to change is the system that normalizes oppression, abuse & grave violations of human lives.

What needs to change is the systemic discrimination built into our structures perpetuating injustices. What needs to change is how women & disadvantaged folks are seen.

About time we start having these difficult conversations. About time we start taking actions #motorwayincident