loss of the victim’s reputation acts as further dis-
couragement from seeking outside help. Even when
victims overcome these difficulties and lodge com-
plaints with law enforcement agencies, other extra-
legal obstructions arise.
The police in South Asia have been determinedly
reluctant to register grievances of gender violence
such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and
incest. Notoriety regarding police brutality and
custody rape also inhibits individuals from pursu-
ing legal remedies. The dire lack of well trained
medical personnel, appropriate facilities, and tech-
nology further impedes rigorous prosecution of
sexual assault cases. The length of time taken to
bring each case to trial, the insensitivity of judges
and court personnel, and the enormous burden on
victims to produce proof, effectively thwart efforts
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