New Delhi: AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has reached out to prominent opposition leaders, including NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, regarding the assault case involving her.
In her letter, Maliwal detailed the personal and professional challenges she has faced since the incident, emphasizing the detrimental impact of victim shaming on survivors seeking justice. Over the past one month, I have encountered first-hand the pain and isolation a survivor faces when she fights for justice. The brutal victim shaming and character assassination I have been subjected to would discourage other women and girls from speaking up against abuse. I would like to seek your time to discuss this pertinent issue. I await your response for the same, her letters read.
Specifically addressing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Maliwal expressed her deep anguish over the treatment she has received. She highlighted her contributions as the head of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) for over eight years, during which the Commission handled more than 1.7 lakh complaints of crimes against women and children.
Unfortunately, after becoming a Member of Parliament, I was assaulted by the PA of the Chief Minister of Delhi at his residence on 13 May, 2024. Following this traumatic incident, I took the necessary step of filing a police complaint. Regrettably, instead of finding support, I was confronted with incessant attacks on my character and victim shaming orchestrated by the leaders and volunteers of my own party. A smear campaign was organised in the electronic and social media to undermine my reputation, character and credibility. Due to the lies spread against me, I have been receiving multiple rape and death threats, she said.
Maliwals letter underscores the need for a broader dialogue on how survivors of assault are treated and calls for solidarity among opposition leaders to address this critical issue. Her outreach to the leaders of the INDIA bloc signifies a step towards fostering a more supportive and just environment for all survivors of abuse.
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