Gang rape of Spanish tourist in India sparks debate on prevalence of sexual violence: ‘all women are at risk’
- Women have come forth to share their experiences of rape and harassment in India, denouncing the culture they say continues to allow it
- Activists call for stricter accountability and urge Indian authorities to step up enforcement and awareness campaigns, as women still feel unsafe outdoors
The woman later shared a video on her Instagram account, describing the horrifying ordeal: “I thought they were going to kill me. Thank God I am still alive.”
Police said late on Tuesday they had arrested a total of eight men – aged between 18 and 25 – allegedly involved in the crime, with Dumka police chief Pitamber Singh Kherwar adding that authorities had “ample evidence” and would file charges.
As news of the incident spread, Indian and foreign women shared their own experiences of rape and harassment in the country, while denouncing the culture that they say continues to allow such crimes.
Many say sexual violence remains rampant in India despite previous legal reforms, and the frequency of such crimes, coupled with the lack of effective implementation of laws and societal change, underscore a systemic failure to protect women.
