Stop Blaming Only the Government for Rape Cases—Society Must Take Charge

Every time a horrific incident of rape or sexual harassment surfaces, the immediate reaction is to blame the government. People take to social media, news debates rage, and the outrage is deafening. While holding authorities accountable is necessary, is that enough? Can a government alone curb such heinous crimes without society playing its part?

Let’s be honest—this problem didn’t start today. If laws alone could fix everything, wouldn’t we have solved this issue by now? But every time we think about a victim, do we ever stop and ask: What could I have done to prevent this? Or are we just looking for someone else to blame?

The Limits of Government Action

Governments worldwide, including in India, have strict laws against sexual offenses. We have the Nirbhaya Act, the POSH Act for workplace harassment, and various amendments in the IPC to address sexual crimes. Yet, crimes continue. Why? Because laws act after a crime has been committed; they don’t prevent them.

Let’s face it—governments cannot be everywhere at all times. They cannot monitor every dark alley, every home where domestic abuse happens, every office where a boss harasses an employee, or every school where a teacher exploits a student. The police can’t magically appear at every moment of danger. So, who is responsible in these moments before a crime happens? The people around.

The Role of Society

1. Change Starts at Home

Remember how boys in our childhood were told, “Boys will be boys”? Or how girls were asked to dress modestly instead of boys being taught respect? This is where the rot starts. If we don’t change the way we raise our children, we are raising future perpetrators or silent bystanders.

2. Bystander Intervention Matters

Picture this: A girl is being harassed on a crowded street. People see it, yet they walk past, eyes averted, pretending they didn’t notice. Why? Because it’s not their problem. But what if it was their sister, daughter, or friend? Would they still walk away?

It takes one person to intervene, to break the silence, to say “Stop.” One voice can trigger others to act. Are you willing to be that person?

3. Stop Protecting Rapists in the Name of Honor

Why do we let powerful people protect rapists? Why do families force victims into silence to “save honor”? When a rapist is shielded by family, community, or political influence, they are emboldened to do it again. A crime against one woman is a crime against all of us. If we don’t speak up, we are complicit.

4. Educate the Youth—No More Excuses

Sex education is still taboo in many homes and schools. We avoid talking about consent, boundaries, and respect, fearing it might “corrupt” young minds. But ignorance is what leads to entitlement and violence. If young boys and girls are not taught about these things from an early age, how will they unlearn problematic behaviors as adults?

Beyond Outrage—Take Action

We love outrage, don’t we? A trending hashtag, a candlelight march, and then… silence. The cycle repeats. But outrage without action is meaningless.

Here’s what real action looks like:

• Call out misogyny in any form—casual jokes, sexist ads, or victim-blaming. Stop laughing along.

• Support NGOs working for women’s safety and rights. Even a small donation or volunteer effort helps.

• Pressurize local representatives for better street lighting, safer public spaces, and stricter implementation of laws.

• Encourage open conversations in families, workplaces, and educational institutions. Silence enables crime.

• Boycott and expose individuals or businesses that tolerate sexual harassment.

The Hard Truth: Change Begins With You

It’s easy to blame the government. But rape and harassment are not just governance issues; they are societal issues. Think about this: If a girl walking down the street knew that every person around her would step up if something happened, wouldn’t she feel safer?

The government is only a small part of society—real transformation begins with us.

So the next time a case of sexual violence emerges, let’s not just ask, What is the government doing? Instead, let’s ask, What have I done to prevent the next one?