In today's discourse, I've chosen to delve into a particularly grave form of criminality—one that continues to linger in the shadows of societal taboo and stigma.

As outlined in Article 137 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, rape stands as a heinous offense—one that shatters lives and violates the very fabric of human dignity. Defined as any form of sexual penetration achieved through violence, threats, or exploitation of the victim's helplessness, it warrants severe punishment, including imprisonment and the restriction of certain rights.

Similarly, pedophilia—a psychological disorder characterized by sexual attraction towards children—represents a dark underbelly of human behavior, preying upon the most vulnerable members of our society.

These despicable acts leave a trail of devastation in their wake, impacting not only the immediate victims but also the broader fabric of our social tapestry. Children and women, in particular, bear the brunt of these atrocities, their innocence and autonomy cruelly stripped away by the perpetrators of violence.

In Georgia, as in many parts of the world, addressing these issues remains a daunting challenge. Despite efforts to implement preventive measures, the specter of public mistrust and impunity looms large, hindering progress and perpetuating a cycle of suffering.

At the heart of this complex issue lies the imperative of education—empowering children and women to recognize the signs of danger and seek help when needed. Psychologists advocate for teaching children to discern strangers and identify trusted individuals who can offer assistance, be it law enforcement, educators, or community leaders.

Yet, the scourge of rape and pedophilia knows no bounds, infiltrating even the sanctity of familial spaces and compounding the trauma experienced by victims. The scars left behind—social anxieties, pervasive fears, and enduring phobias—haunt survivors long after the physical wounds have healed.

In the pursuit of a safer and more just society, the onus falls not only on schools and institutions but on every member of the community. Silence, we must remember, is complicity—a tacit endorsement of injustice that only serves to embolden perpetrators and perpetuate cycles of violence.

Plato's timeless wisdom reminds us of the noble pursuit of justice, beauty, and goodness—the pillars upon which a wise life is built. In the face of injustice, we must stand as defenders of truth, refusing to turn a blind eye to the suffering of the vulnerable.

It is our collective responsibility to safeguard the rights of women and children, for the stagnation of society begins when we fail to confront injustice head-on.

As Plato aptly observed, truth may have many supporters, but it is the courageous few who stand as its defenders. Let us, therefore, choose the path of justice, casting aside the shadows of silence and stigma to usher in a brighter and more compassionate future for all.

Author of the article: Nino Kacharava