Shift the burden of proof of violence from women
10 March 2013, 18:00 PM
UPDATED
18 March 2013, 02:26 AM
Mobarak Ali, RK Mission Road, Gopibagh, Dhaka
Photo: Star
It is unfortunate that the accusatorial criminal justice system is creating huge harassment for women who have encountered different types of violence. Even apprehending the unbearable harassment and social stigma, many women commit suicide.
Many people in our society are interested in finding fault with the woman and analyse the issue by raising questions like: What was the problem with that particular girl? Why has she been a victim of this offence, why not thousands of others? Etc.
It is reported in the newspaper that Damini, the New Delhi rape victim, had to describe the incident of her rape to the police officer 10 times. It is happening due to the existing system where the rape victim has to preserve the 'alamats', to be interrogated by the police officer again and again, to be examined by the doctors, to present her case in the trial and to be cross-examined by the male advocates.
However, to shift the burden of proof of violence from a girl, a system can be adopted that the alleged man has to prove that he is innocent. In fact, we can follow the principles practiced in France and Italy at present in this regard.
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