By In a recent nationwide survey, shocking revelations have come to light, indicating that more than 5,000 girls under the age of 16 have reportedly endured sexual assault over the past four years—a revelation with a perplexing twist. Attorney-at-Law Dr. Palitha Bandara Subasinghe of Kandy National Hospital disclosed that a significant portion of these cases involved girls who allegedly gave their consent.
Dr. Subasinghe shared staggering statistics, stating that 6,307 complaints related to the rape of girls under 16 were reported to police stations nationwide between 2018 and 2021. Astonishingly, 5,055 of these cases were purported instances where the victims claimed to have given their consent.
The gravity of these statistics intensifies when focusing on the Kandy police division. Dr. Subasinghe revealed that, in the past three years, 132 girls under 16 years of age were reportedly raped in 17 police areas within the division. What is even more alarming is the assertion that the majority of these cases involved consensual acts, with only 15 incidents reported as involving coercion or force.
The revelation of a substantial number of reported cases involving consensual acts raises questions about the dynamics surrounding these incidents. Dr. Subasinghe emphasized the urgent need for a thorough examination of the circumstances leading to these reported consensual encounters. It is crucial to explore whether societal pressures, power imbalances, or other factors are influencing underage individuals to give their consent, prompting a potential reevaluation of the legal definitions and protections surrounding such situations.
In a conversation with Lanka News Line, individuals charged with rape provided perspectives on their situations. Most, falling within the 17–29 age bracket, vehemently denied charges, claiming they had been framed with fabricated accusations. However, some admitted to the offences, offering insights into their motivations.
I never thought that this would end up in this manner,” expressed a remorseful 23-year-old university student charged with raping a teenager he had met at a carnival.
There was no rape; she consented, and now she is blaming me,” asserted a 27-year-old bakery worker involved in a love affair with a factory worker.
There is nothing called rape; you can’t rape women. They complain when they get caught in the act; that’s what happened,” declared a 24-year-old three-wheel driver arrested after raping a young woman and stealing her belongings.
I just believe that I did something like this; I don’t know how it happened; it just happened, and now I am in this mess,” expressed a 22-year-old salesman in a grocery who raped the shop owner’s sister.
Underreporting, social stigma, cultural factors, gaps or weaknesses in the legal framework, a lack of advanced forensic facilities and trained personnel, poor police handling of cases, lengthy legal procedures, case backlogs, inadequate support services, and witness intimidation are identified as key factors impeding the successful prosecution and conviction of rapists. Addressing these challenges is essential for creating a legal environment that ensures justice for survivors and accountability for perpetrators.
