India Announces New Sexual Assault Laws
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Silent Protest in India for Rape Victims | Wikipedia Commons
India's government announced a new set of laws aimed to help curb an increase of sexual assaults, sexual abuse and trafficking on Sunday. The interim laws come almost two months after the international outcry for women's rights and justice for the victims of bus gang rapes in India in December and January.
Monday, the Wallstreet Journal reported the laws can only be permanently passed once India's Parliament and finance minster review them. The new additions to law include; harsher punishment of sexual crimes and the entry of trafficking, stalking, voyeurism and the death penality. The death penalty will be added for victims who become ill or die from the perpetrators abuse. Although these laws come at a time of need for women in India, many critics are saying, this isn't the way to begin the progression to
However, India's simingly quick decision on law changes have critics questioning its further enactment. According to the N.Y. Times multiple leaders of different women's groups believe the laws are merely the beginning. Kirti Singh, a lawyer for women's issues told the L.A. Times:
“This is a piecemeal and fragmented ordinance, which seems to be more of an exercise to make an impact,” said Kirti Singh, a lawyer who specializes in women’s issues. “After 20 years of not doing anything, they seem to be in a tremendous hurry to do something or the other to appease public sentiment.”
As India's government continues to review the laws for permanent approval the new additions on sexual abuse come as much needed changes for the victims families and women who are pushing worldwide for immediate action. CNN iReporter, Meeravjayan, shared her worries for Indian women only days weeks the decision. Her video provides key insight into the world in which women have come to call home, " Many of you have been asking how something so horrible can happen in the national capital?" she reiterated, " ... you see violence has to be understood very differently here in India. Sexual violence is something women face here every single day."
In the coming days, weeks and years to come the effect of India's sexual abuse laws will be tested.
To hear more from CNN iReporter, Meeravjayan watch the video here.
To learn more about India's new laws go here.
To learn more about the rape cases that started a worldwide outcry for change visit Neon Tommy's coverage here.
