Gang rape, suicides: Pathanamthitta case sheds light on dark reality of sharing private photos

In today’s digital world, sharing private photos and videos has become common in relationships. However, this has led to a rise in cases of sexual harassment, blackmail, and even suicides, especially among women and girls. A recent case in Pathanamthitta shows how personal content shared in the name of love can become a tool for exploitation.

Harassment, gang rape and suicides 

Many victims are threatened with the release of private photos and videos, which forces them into a cycle of harassment and abuse, including gang rape. These photos and videos, often taken under the guise of love, are sometimes shared on social media for money or other reasons. Police and socio-psycho counsellors point out that such incidents have been linked to many suicides.

'Be careful in relationships'

Psychologist Dr C J John advises people to set clear boundaries in relationships.

“When sharing personal information and pictures, each person should set their own boundaries. Children are more likely to get involved in wrong relationships and make such mistakes unknowingly. Parents need to develop an attitude to support them without blaming them if such incidents occur,” he said.

Teaching boys to be respectful

Social worker Adv. Kukku Revathi from Thrissur stresses the need to educate boys early on about treating others with respect.

“Boys should be taught to behave respectfully towards their classmates and girls. Instead of saying that a girl’s life is over if she gets into a wrong relationship, they should be encouraged to talk to their parents or seek legal help,” she said.

Why Sex Ed is important

Experts say proper education is crucial to stop these issues. Dr A K Jayasree, Head of Community Medicine at Government Medical College, Pariyaram, believes in teaching children about relationships and their bodies.

“Children under 18 should know that sexual relations between minors are a crime. Education about the body, relationships, and sexuality should be provided early on,” she explained.

Homes should be safe space

P Sathidevi, Chairperson of the Women’s Commission, highlights the importance of a supportive home environment.

“Children often share their problems with teachers including cases of POCSO, but they should feel safe to share bad experiences at home too. There was a recent case where a girl kept telling her parents she was studying and stayed most of the time on the terrace but was found to be pregnant only after giving birth,” she said.