A real threat of speedy trials and long years in prison for these brutal attacks is the only way to prevent more girls and women being violated and killed. Let’s build a million voices now to demand immediate action on fast-tracked justice.
Because of the public outrage, it looks like justice could be served swiftly for the assault this young student endured. Several of the perpetrators have been caught and the Home Minister himself has promised to fast-track their trial. But what about the other hundreds of women and girls who are attacked every day? Just this week two girls were gang raped in Bihar state. One is in critical condition and the youngest, a girl of just ten, and was brutalised to death and then dumped in the canal.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has asked the Delhi High Court to take urgent action to set up five special fast-track courts to try sexual assault cases. Now, the best way to ensure justice for all is to force an agreement to put fast-track courts like this across India. We have to all act now — under public pressure, the will and possibility for action rises, but all too often politicians make bold promises to protect women only to forget about them when the spotlight fades.
It’s shocking, but not surprising, that 8 out of 10 women in Delhi fear for their safety. Equally there is nothing new in the fact that most women say they wouldn’t even think of telling the police about an attack for fear the cops would ignore them or worse blame them and abuse them. What is new is the level of outrage building across the country out of this terrible case. Together we can turn this firestorm of anger into a lightening bolt for change. Sign the petition now and forward it to everyone to safeguard the mothers and daughters of India:
Sign the petition
Avaaz members in India have come together to protect children from brutal labour practices and freed Indian workers trapped in foreign countries. Together we have ensured that poorer people know their rights to free medical care. Now we can help the most vulnerable group — women and girls facing violent sexual attack.
With hope,
Meredith, Alice, Ian, Ricken, Rewan, Diego, Wen, Michelle and the rest of the Avaaz team
