Muslim World Report

Violence against a Doctor Reveals India's Crisis of Support for Survivors

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 5, 2025 8:59 PM | 9 min read | 1718 words

TL;DR: The recent assault on a doctor in Bihar while supporting a rape survivor exposes a troubling culture of violence against healthcare providers and advocates for victims. Urgent reforms and community action are critical to protect both survivors and those who offer them assistance.

A Disturbing Reflection on Societal Violence: The Assault on a Doctor in Gaya

In Gaya, Bihar, a shocking incident has laid bare the deep-rooted societal violence that threatens not only victims of sexual assault but also those courageous enough to support them. A doctor, while visiting the family of a rape survivor, was brutally assaulted and tied to a tree by relatives of the accused. This act of violence epitomizes a pervasive culture of intimidation that punishes compassion and care for victims, revealing systemic issues surrounding gender violence, patriarchal norms, and the safety of healthcare providers in India.

This incident starkly highlights an alarming trend in systemic violence against healthcare providers and advocates:

  • Threatening victims: Those who support victims face intimidation and violence.
  • Silencing advocates: The culture discourages individuals from speaking out.
  • Exacerbation of violence: Political dynamics contribute to an environment of aggression against supporters.

The rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its associated militant affiliates has contributed significantly to a climate where patriarchal attitudes are reasserted, and institutional protections for vulnerable populations are weakened. Scholars have noted that such political dynamics often exacerbate societal violence by creating environments where aggressive retaliation against those supporting victims is normalized (Islam et al., 2020; Coker et al., 2002). This reflects a broader trend observed globally; in many patriarchal societies, a culture of retribution exists where families of perpetrators coordinate strategies to intimidate healthcare workers and advocates, perpetuating silence around issues of sexual violence (Mahajan et al., 2008).

What If the Culture of Silence Prevails?

If the prevailing culture of silence regarding sexual violence continues to dominate, the implications for victims and society at large will be catastrophic. In a climate marked by fear and retaliation, healthcare providers may hesitate to offer support to survivors, opting to disengage to protect their own safety. This reluctance can lead to:

  • Decreased healthcare access: Vulnerable populations may find it harder to get help.
  • Worsening stigma: Victims may feel increasingly isolated.
  • Barriers to support: The normalization of violence against advocates erects walls between victims and the systems designed to help them.

As one commentator starkly noted, “When you think it can’t get any worse, we Indians take that as a challenge to prove you wrong.” This desensitization to such atrocities further complicates the struggles faced by those seeking justice.

The implications of these escalating acts of violence extend beyond immediate harm, posing a direct threat to community health and safety, particularly for women. As violence against healthcare professionals rises, their willingness and ability to deliver care diminishes. A climate of fear undermines:

  • Public health initiatives
  • Fundamental principles of compassion and justice in health systems

If this culture of silence and intimidation persists, the consequences for victims will be dire. Healthcare providers may retreat from advocacy roles to safeguard their wellbeing, leading to:

  • Catastrophic healthcare access decline: Those who need help will be further marginalized.
  • Increased isolation for victims: Without access to supportive networks or medical care, they risk adverse outcomes.

As highlighted in the literature, when social support mechanisms are dismantled, the risk of adverse mental health outcomes for survivors significantly increases (Coker et al., 2002; Williams, 2018).

What If Legislative Changes Are Made?

The potential for legislative changes aimed at strengthening protections for victims of sexual violence could transform the landscape of women’s rights in India. Such reforms might include:

  • Enhanced legal frameworks for reporting assaults
  • Increased penalties for retaliation against supporters
  • Robust support systems for survivors seeking justice

If lawmakers prioritize these measures, the cultural narrative surrounding sexual violence may begin to shift, empowering women to speak out against their experiences. Legislative changes could provide better training and resources for healthcare professionals, equipping them to handle cases of sexual violence sensitively and effectively.

However, the success of such reforms hinges on:

  • Overcoming resistance from political entities benefiting from the status quo
  • Collaborative efforts between civil society organizations and legal experts
  • Public advocacy campaigns that can mobilize broader support

The urgent need for legislative changes to protect victims and sanction retaliators is clear. These reforms could include:

  • Legal frameworks for reporting violence
  • Stringent penalties for threats against witnesses
  • Enhanced training for healthcare providers to support victims safely and effectively (Mshweshwe, 2020; Saeed Ali et al., 2017).

What If the Global Community Intervenes?

The global response to violence against victims and their allies in India carries significant implications. If international organizations and human rights groups mobilize to apply pressure on the Indian government, it could catalyze a comprehensive reevaluation of policies and practices concerning women’s rights and safety. Such engagement may also hold local authorities accountable for failing to protect marginalized groups from violence and harassment.

International condemnation can lead to diplomatic initiatives prioritizing human rights protections, with the United Nations and other global bodies facilitating dialogues on women’s empowerment, education, and healthcare access to meet the holistic needs of survivors and their communities. Encouraging foreign governments to leverage relationships with India could amplify voices advocating for reforms and societal change.

However, intervention must be strategic and sensitive to local contexts. It is crucial to:

  • Avoid alienating domestic advocates
  • Collaborate with local organizations and respect their leadership

While the global community plays a critical role, it is equally important to recognize that change must originate from within. Empowering local stakeholders to lead initiatives will ensure that the nuances of the issues are adequately addressed.

The Role of Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals find themselves in a precarious position, caught between their commitment to providing care and the dangers posed by societal violence. Their role is crucial, particularly in cases involving victims of sexual violence:

  • Medical assistance: They provide necessary medical care.
  • Advocacy for justice: They can serve as advocates for systemic reform.

However, the fear of violence can lead to hesitancy in their actions. Healthcare providers should advocate for their safety and the rights of their patients through organized professional bodies. Establishing:

  • Clear protocols for dealing with violence against healthcare workers
  • Support for those who report incidents

is vital. Additionally, engaging in training programs focused on trauma-informed care will equip them to respond effectively to victims of violence.

The rise of violence against healthcare workers echoes a global trend. If healthcare providers continue to be targets of violence, the consequences for public health are dire. Trust in health systems erodes, and victims become disillusioned, further isolating them from necessary support.

The Role of Civil Society Organizations

Civil society organizations play a pivotal role in mobilizing public opinion against the culture of violence towards victims and their advocates. These organizations serve as a bridge between grassroots movements and legislative advocacy. Their work can:

  • Galvanize community support
  • Raise awareness about pressing issues
  • Advocate for systemic changes that protect victims

Through grassroots campaigns, educational programs, and partnerships with local communities, they can establish safe spaces for survivors, providing essential mental health and legal resources.

The intersection of politics and civil society can lead to transformative change. When civil society organizations collaborate effectively with lawmakers, the possibility for meaningful reform increases. However, it is critical to ensure that these collaborations are rooted in the needs and voices of the communities they serve.

The Role of Political Entities

Political entities must be held accountable for their roles in perpetuating a culture of violence. There is a crucial need for lawmakers to prioritize women’s rights and engage in genuine dialogues with advocates to understand the systemic issues at play. Implementing progressive policies that protect survivors and penalize those who intimidate them is essential. Politicians should promote narratives that condemn violence against women, reframing the national conversation around gender issues.

The rise of the BJP has brought about significant changes in India’s political landscape, often prioritizing nationalistic narratives over gender rights and social justice. This shift has implications not only for women but also for healthcare professionals who are placed at greater risk when the political climate fosters a culture of fear and intimidation.

The urgency of the situation calls for mobilization against complacency, demanding bold actions to foster an environment where the rights of survivors are prioritized and respected. Advocacy must extend beyond mere rhetoric; it needs to translate into actionable policies that protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Conclusion

The violence against healthcare workers and survivors of sexual assault in India serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action. Each stakeholder—from healthcare professionals to political leaders and the global community—must recognize their roles in dismantling oppressive structures. The path forward requires a commitment to justice, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of a society where every individual, regardless of gender, can live free from fear and violence.

References

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  • Crenshaw, K. W. (1988). Race, reform, and retrenchment: Transformation and legitimation in antidiscrimination law. Harvard Law Review, 101(7), 1341-1387. https://doi.org/10.2307/1341398
  • Ginsberg, R. (2014). Mighty crime victims: Victims’ rights and neoliberalism in the American conjuncture. Cultural Studies, 28(3), 505-528. https://doi.org/10.1080/09502386.2014.886485
  • Hynes, M., Sterk, C. E., & Patel, S. J. (2015). Exploring gender norms, agency and intimate partner violence among displaced Colombian women: A qualitative assessment. Global Public Health, 10(5-6), 692–708. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2015.1068825
  • Islam, M. S., Sarkar, T., Khan, S. H., Kamal, A. H. M., Hasan, S. M. M., & Kabir, A. (2020). COVID-19 related infodemic and its impact on public health: A global social media analysis. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 103(3), 919-927. https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.20-0812
  • Mshweshwe, L. (2020). Understanding domestic violence: Masculinity, culture, traditions. Heliyon, 6(4), e05334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05334
  • Saeed Ali, T., Karmaliani, R., McFarlane, J., Khuwaja, H. M. A., Somani, Y., Chirwa, E., & Jewkes, R. (2017). Attitude towards gender roles and violence against women and girls (VAWG): Baseline findings from an RCT of 1752 youths in Pakistan. Global Health Action, 10(1), 1342454. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2017.1342454
  • Williams, D. R. (2018). Stress and the mental health of populations of color: Advancing our understanding of race-related stressors. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 59(4), 575-585. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146518814251
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