– Sohaila Abdulali
“The problem with spotlights is the surrounding darkness.” It is dark out there but it shows that we’ve to look for the light within. Most of us have seen and heard of rape online and offline, we try to imagine the trauma that follows at large but have we heard a rape victim personally? Do we ever get to speak to them about it? The book is written by Sohaila Abdulali who is a rape survivor herself. This book has given me insights on the horror, the trauma, the healing that can remain partial and all of this can be triggered at minutest mentions or fragrances, places, certain months related to the horrific incident! It gives some new perspectives and raises questions that are often deflected. The writer has also been to various states and relief camps, NGO’s etc. for the help of rape victims and knows what she is talking about.
We all want death penalties and harshest of the verdicts for rapists. If this curbs the population problem then why not, but have you ever thought the rapists knowing that they’d be hanged after this getting reported would kill the victim without giving a second thought about it. This is just one aspect of thinking about it, gather more views and try to see if it looks as simple as it sounds.
We’ve grown up watching movies, movies increasing the “JOSH” the moment one touches or exploits anyone close to us in any manner. Watch more documentaries, read more books, talk to the survivors and try to eliminate the evilness in psychology of the criminals rather than being in “JOSH” all the time. “If we don’t put it out there, this conversation will always be muted.” Create a word around the problems that matter. Talk about the violation of will and not just about the sacredness of bodies. Talk along the streets, talk with your friends and family .This sounds like an outrageous idea to be speaking out loud about these shameful acts so openly and randomly but trust me the protest candles might not ignite the knowledge and awareness required in the way lasting conversations and books can. Protests are necessary to raise a voice but having a voice that is relevant and built well is more important and effective.
Pass this book to every woman you care about. Spread a word about it because this book not only states the horrifying facts but also some insights about how to handle people who’ve been raped. For instance this book taught me to “Be open. Don’t assume. Don’t take away control.” Taking away control or assuming the details and feelings while talking to a rape victim can cause serious distress and comfort issues and would make it difficult for them to be open and conversing about it again with anyone.
