<p class="title">India is far from being safe for women, says actor Richa Chadha, who would like people to introspect on the increasing cases of sexual assault and other crimes.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In her latest film "Section 375", Richa plays a lawyer fighting to get justice for a rape survivor.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"There is no patriotism in hiding that India is unsafe for women. India ranks very high on violence against women... even in the womb.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"There are a number of cases of female foeticide, genital mutilation is so high, dowry cases, acid attacks... these are all violent crimes against women. On what basis can one say it is a safe place? People who are saying India is extremely safe for women are men," Richa told PTI.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Implementation of the law and encouraging more women to go to the police with their complaints would help de-stigmatise cases of sexual abuse and violence.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Change is needed both ways (government and society). There has to be social level change. There should be a no-tolerance policy against sexual harassment. Laws are powerful but the implementation of it is another debate.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"There are so many rape cases that go unreported because of social stigma and all this makes the situation difficult for the victim. Rapists are a product of society," Richa said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The 32-year-old actor also referred to politicians who have been accused of rape and continue to be in the mainstream.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"...when such incidents happen, an elected representative says the most awful and problematic things, like, 'why did she go alone?', 'what was she wearing?' This is also victim shaming."</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Section 375" takes its name from the Indian Penal Code section that deals with rape. Directed by Ajay Bahl, the movie also features Akshaye Khanna as the lawyer of a rape accused.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Richa said Bahl did thorough research before making a film on such a subject.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"There are fake rape cases also being registered, but at the same time, a lot of rape cases go unreported too. India is a very complicated society and we are seeing that more and more today.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"It is a sensitive subject and we have done a lot of hard work on it, especially our director. I feel we have tried to be truthful and sincere. I was worried about it initially. When I read the script and the way Ajay has treated the film, I am not worried now," she added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Section 375" is slated for release across theatres on September 13. </p>
<p class="title">India is far from being safe for women, says actor Richa Chadha, who would like people to introspect on the increasing cases of sexual assault and other crimes.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In her latest film "Section 375", Richa plays a lawyer fighting to get justice for a rape survivor.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"There is no patriotism in hiding that India is unsafe for women. India ranks very high on violence against women... even in the womb.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"There are a number of cases of female foeticide, genital mutilation is so high, dowry cases, acid attacks... these are all violent crimes against women. On what basis can one say it is a safe place? People who are saying India is extremely safe for women are men," Richa told PTI.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Implementation of the law and encouraging more women to go to the police with their complaints would help de-stigmatise cases of sexual abuse and violence.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Change is needed both ways (government and society). There has to be social level change. There should be a no-tolerance policy against sexual harassment. Laws are powerful but the implementation of it is another debate.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"There are so many rape cases that go unreported because of social stigma and all this makes the situation difficult for the victim. Rapists are a product of society," Richa said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The 32-year-old actor also referred to politicians who have been accused of rape and continue to be in the mainstream.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"...when such incidents happen, an elected representative says the most awful and problematic things, like, 'why did she go alone?', 'what was she wearing?' This is also victim shaming."</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Section 375" takes its name from the Indian Penal Code section that deals with rape. Directed by Ajay Bahl, the movie also features Akshaye Khanna as the lawyer of a rape accused.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Richa said Bahl did thorough research before making a film on such a subject.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"There are fake rape cases also being registered, but at the same time, a lot of rape cases go unreported too. India is a very complicated society and we are seeing that more and more today.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"It is a sensitive subject and we have done a lot of hard work on it, especially our director. I feel we have tried to be truthful and sincere. I was worried about it initially. When I read the script and the way Ajay has treated the film, I am not worried now," she added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Section 375" is slated for release across theatres on September 13. </p>