Necessity, Immediacy, and Practicality

(A Brief Analysis of Dr. A.K.B. Pillai’s Proposed Measures to Combat Sexual Assault)

By: K.K.Johnson

In tackling the major issue of sexual assault that has been prevalent in Indian society, Dr. A.K.B. Pillai has written an excellent analysis of the problem and has provided many potential solutions through his latest book, Women and Children: Sexual abuse and Violence.

Although the work is a valiant and necessary effort, it seems to be lacking in the consideration of the complicated nature of the problem as a whole.

Practicality seems to be a problem facing some of these suggested solutions.

For example, prevention is a cause that is heavily stressed in the book. Prevention is undoubtedly a necessary initiative, but prevention through scare tactics as suggested in the book might not be very efficacious.

• He suggests that calling victims to come out and file cases would be a good way to gain justice for them and prevent future assaults. He also notes that only about one in every three cases is known. This statistic is saying something that can’t be ignored. Sexual assault is undoubtedly one of the most traumatic things that can happen to anyone. As Dr. Pillai notes, it can have lasting damaging effects physically, emotionally, and psychologically, on its victims. Giving a huge amount of media attention to the issue is an excellent idea; however, using that media attention to reach out to victims may not be as effective as one would think. The trauma of a sexual assault may be so intense that an individual would never make it known. This is where the aforementioned statistic becomes necessary to consider. If only one in three cases comes forward, that seems to suggest that there may be significant personal, social, and/or cultural issues at work within the victim, preventing him or her from coming forward. It is safe to assume that a few individuals would be encouraged to come forward; however, it may not be in the volume that Dr. Pillai believes would come forward.
• Secondly, Dr. Pillai notes that this media attention might serve as a preventative measure for many assaults. This suggestion is debatable, considering that it is common knowledge that sexual assault is an offense punishable by arrest and incarceration. Flooding the media with warnings might not be as effective as one would like to think. In many cases the offenders are competent individuals, aware of the consequences of their actions or are influenced by psychological pathologies. Media tactics would likely not be very effective in preventing these individuals from sexually assaulting their potential victims.
• Dr. Pillai suggests the formation of certain preventative units that seem to function similarly to HR (Human Resources) units. This initiative is definitely a good thing; however, as far as practicality is concerned, it would likely take quite some time to implement. The book suggests the importance of immediacy in taking these actions. Immediacy is ideal but it may not be so realistic. As Dr. Pillai notes throughout his text, the increase of sexual assaults can be linked in some ways to the many harmful social and cultural institutions in place in Indian society, such as the general patriarchal and male dominant attitudes, the separation of men and women, and the lack of communication between parents/guardians and their children. These are problems that will likely take years to be solved. When you have such deeply rooted and long standing institutions in place in a society, the change has to come from within said society. In this case, Dr. Pillai’s suggestion of change at the individual level becomes valid. The change needs to start among children, and within families. Things like sex education are very important and necessary; however, they are constantly met with opposition in many Indian communities where discussing sex and sexuality is taboo, especially if it’s with children. It is a little silly that in the country with the second highest population in the world, sex is such a hot button issue. Obviously, social institutions need to take on some of the responsibility in facilitating necessary change, but the brunt of the responsibility is on the family and individual citizen.
• The area where I agree with Dr. Pillai the most is when he suggests that the parents need to make an active effort to be a part of their children’s lives outside of the scope of a provider. Parents need to realize that their children are human beings with emotions and desires and questions. Like Dr. Pillai suggests, there needs to be a shift from the agrarian attitude where children are expected to be obedient without question and where parents are inaccessible to their children. Children need to be encouraged to talk about their desires and romantic interests and questions. Parents shouldn’t be ashamed to talk to their children about these issues because ignorance is far more dangerous in my opinion, than knowledge. Suppressing one’s inner thoughts is extremely damaging. People need to have an avenue to express their thoughts. Parents need to be that avenue.
• Dr. Pillai also suggests that the separation of genders needs to end. In Indian society women are fiercely protected and viewed as inaccessible and taboo subjects in many circumstances. Both genders need to be able to intermingle. Men and women shouldn’t have to perceive each other as forbidden subjects. The concept of “purity” is so important in Indian society yet no one tries to consider that it serves no real purpose. It is an antiquated way of thinking that only limits people. Sex is one of the most basic needs and drives of any animal. From a strictly biological standpoint, self-preservation and procreation are the two most important goals of any species. Humans have the advantage of being aware and conscious of these needs. When you try to repress these needs, especially sexual ones, on a massive social scale, disaster occurs. That’s why I believe that sex needs to be dealt with on an individual and familial level. However, I realize that as ideal as this change would be, it is not realistic, especially in a community that resists change as adamantly as the Indian community. I realize that it is a change that can only occur gradually. Hence I agree with Dr. Pillai in his belief that a change in the parent/child dynamic is essential in changing the attitudes about sexuality in Indian society and reducing the number of sexual assaults in the future.
• In conclusion, I would like to address Dr. Pillai’s concept of the materialistic sensual society. It is no secret that society has drifted towards a general mindset involving selfishness, self- indulgence, instant gratification, and self destructive tendencies. It is important to consider that it took a considerable amount of time for this mindset to develop. It will take just as much if not more time for it to change back to a mindset involving, selflessness, and the promotion of the good of society. Dr. Pillai presents many valid points in analyzing the issue of sexual violence in India. Although some of his proposed measures may not be as immediately effective as he believes, with time, they may be quite efficacious. Perhaps the most important change needs to occur within the individual and within the family unit. Dr. Pillai writes that, “A rapist and a murderer are not born, but made by their experiences in the society.” (page 24) Although genetic factors definitely influence characteristics such as temperament, the expression of these characteristics can undoubtedly be influenced by environmental factors such as childhood care from parents/guardians. In my opinion, Dr. Pillai is right when he says that children need to be taught early on about themselves and others and that good parenting is key in influencing social competence and compassionate behavior. Personal accountability is very important, however, experiences do shape us as human beings. Hence I believe that a change in the attitude towards women and sexuality in the long run will occur if a change occurs in the basic family unit. Only time will tell if the suggestions of individuals like Dr. Pillai, can be successfully implemented in our community.