* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
ActionAid India's Programme and Policy Director, Sehjo Singh, said:
"ActionAid is glad to see that the perpetrators of this terrible crime have been brought to justice. This trial happened relatively quickly compared to other rape trials in India and we call on the Indian authorities to make sure this becomes a benchmark for the thousands of other similar pending cases. "ActionAid is also concerned about the dismissive attitude and lack of sensitivity that continues to persist among the police who deal with rape cases. Neither the police or the courts take these kind of cases seriously enough and consequently women do not even report cases to the police." Rape survivors whom ActionAid works with have recommended:
The establishment of a 24-hour government helpline specifically for rape survivors.The establishment of a government-run Women's Cell that will take calls directly from women and help them in further police and court proceedings.Activating existing village-level women groups so women who are reluctant to speak up are supported.Learn more about how ActionAid works for women's rights globally
