Exactly what can prevent people from crime against women? The reply does not lies in what. It lies in who.
In spite of endless debate and extra coverage being given to rape cases in the news, safety of women is still an unattended issue.
If there is anything humorous about the brutal rape case of Delhi is usually to see the public ire, as well as their ability to take every issue to the streets. What is not amusing is the brutality of the act and also the delay of justice.
Safety is a local issue. No amount of caution can stop thefts, rapes or any other kind of crime. However, good surveillance might help restrict it to some extent.
Delhi : The city is infamous for its assaults on women, both verbal and physical. So much so that very few women head out alone even early in the night. However, no neighborhood watches are organized, and there is no activism help to make} women feel safe. It may be probably because it is much better to light candles and hold light against crime.
Activism is a double edged sword. While protesting it gives people a sense of false strength, mostly due to numbers. Individually, none of these protesters who burn buses or break barricades or beat up policemen, would ever go help a girl who is a victim of eveteasing. Such protestors (mostly youngsters) is probably not hardened hypocrites. They may be just venting their momentous anger. After a few days of yelling and screaming, they get exhausted and move ahead more exhilarating acts.
Criminals however they are apathetic to such events. Most crimes are performed in a fit of passion, rage or urge. Very few are deterred by potential for harsh punishments, even lawfully. As not many expect to be caught. A lot of them believe that they are able to escape much like a cat which drinks milk having its eyes closed. The protest slogans of “Cut, kill and castrate” are much less deterrents.
What is the right answer to the question - What can prevent people from crime against women? The answer does not lies in what. It lies in who. It could be a friendly neighbor who looks out for a girl in the bus stop. It could be a nice lady or men who immediately calls police if a nasty incident is about to take place in front of her/his eyes. It can also be speedy police action, which can nab criminals before the victim dies.