Democracy for rapists?

Past few months, especially since the infamous Delhi rape case last December, Indian media has been relentless in exposing rape cases , not even sparing the high and mighty involved in them. From Asaram Bapu to Tehelka editor now, there are endless stories everyday. I feel, women are more forthcoming now a days and are becoming bolder  to go against the mighty and powerful if they have been wronged. Kudoz to these women who have the guts to do so. But women being abused dates back to centuries and even Sita from Ramayan and Draupadi from Mahabarat are no exceptions. At least one woman in every Indian family is sexually abused by her own husband or uncles or cousins or family friends.

I, personally, was disturbed by a piece of article by an Indian dignitary's wife on how she was sexually abused by a visiting international dignitary and how she could never come out in the open for years about the abuse and had to carry on with her normal life as though nothing had happened. If a high profile woman has to undergo this, imagine the plight of millions of women belonging to middle class and lower strata of the society.  My own childhood experiences were so traumatic that I am too scared about the security of my daughters. I am scared to allow them to travel alone in public transport or stay overnight at even a close friend's or relative's house. You never know who could misbehave with them.

How can we put an end to this trauma? I feel its time India stopped being proud of being a democratic country. Justice is never on time here. I feel, we should just follow the model of Arab countries to punish the guilty.  Once proven guilty, the culprit should be punished in full view of the public. This would create fear in the minds of the wrong doers. Till such time I can only pray that my girls return home safely and every other girl on the street is smart enough to protect herself.