Convictions secured, but justice remains elusive for rape survivors

Survivors in Nepal and five other South and Southeast Asian countries say justice remains incomplete without protection from threats, access to counseling, economic security and support to recover from trauma

An image featured in the ‘On Their Own Terms’ report published by Dignity Alliance International

KATHMANDU: An 18-year-old girl with a disability became pregnant after being raped by her uncle and his son. She only realized she was pregnant when her stomach began to grow. Subsequently, she had an abortion and stopped attending school. With the support of her family, she filed a court case. The court ruled in her favor. However, she remains in fear today. She does not know how many years the perpetrator was sentenced to prison. Her days pass in fear of when the perpetrator will be released. She also carries another fear inside that no one will accept her if she marries in the future.

In Nepal, victims of sexual violence have shared their experience that filing a police complaint, registering a court case, and sentencing the perpetrator is not sufficient justice. They state that the imprisonment of the offender does not diminish the mental trauma they suffered.

Focus on ensuring legal reform, psychosocial support, financial compensation, and reproductive rights for a victim-friendly justice system.

A woman who was a victim of rape stated, “The criminal was punished. But that punishment does not change anything in my life. Sometimes I feel that I have not received justice yet. I feel that the pain he caused me will never heal in my lifetime.”

Studies show that victims of sexual violence and their families feel similarly.

They have demanded that their safety must be ensured along with justice.

Safety and rehabilitation along with punishment

Under the title “On Their Own Terms: Survivors’ Idea of Dignity and Justice,” a study was conducted in six countries of South and Southeast Asia. Victims of sexual violence, their family members, and justice sector stakeholders from Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka participated in the study.

An image featured in the ‘On Their Own Terms’ report published by Dignity Alliance International

The study incorporates the experiences of 168 victims, 160 family members, and 192 legal and social sector representatives across six countries. The study report emphasizes legal reforms, psychosocial counseling, financial compensation, and ensuring reproductive rights to make the justice system victim-friendly. The report also suggested making the responsibilities of government agencies and the role of non-governmental organizations effective.