95bFM Candlelight vigil held for Dr Moumita Debnath at University of Auckland
30 August, 2024
Interview by Caeden Tipler, adapted by Amelia Arbon
*Trigger warning: This story contains mentions of sexual violence
On 22 August, a candlelight vigil for Dr Moumita Debnath was hosted by The University of Auckland branch of Thursdays in Black, a student-led grassroots campaign against rape and sexual violence, which was attended by around 40 to 50 individuals.
Debnath, who was a doctor in training in Kolkata, India, was raped and murdered by several men on campus grounds in early August.
Despite initially being reported as a suicide to her parents, later autopsy details show severe injuries that were not self-inflicted.
The murder and rape of Debnath sparked nationwide protests in India, which follows increasing reports of gender-based violence in the nation within recent months, and poor legal protections for women.
Co-organiser of the vigil alongside Thursdays in Black, Layba Zubair, who grew up in Pakistan, told 95bFM’s The Wire the rape and murder of Debnath is not an isolated event.
“We know, because [the hospital] did try to cover it up.”
“Sexual assault and rape in countries like India and Pakistan are so paramount, underreported; not talked about, because the stigma is so significant.”
She says the vigil was to show solidarity and to grieve, but also to highlight a sense of togetherness amidst the fight for systemic change.
“Even though it's happening in India, we know that similar things have happened here; we know it happens across the world, and it can't be tolerated.”
“While we may not be able to create, say, systemic or legal change back in India or Pakistan, standing in solidarity is saying something on its own.”
If you need support, talking to someone you know or contacting formal support services can be helpful.
Need to Talk?: Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or text HELP to 4357.
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am).
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155.
OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6pm-9pm).
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254.
Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 (Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm) or text 832 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm). Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.
HELP Auckland: 0800 623 1700 or email info@helpauckland.org.nz. Professional and specialised support services for sexual abuse and assault survivors.
Women’s Refuge: 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE). For women and children experiencing family violence.
Shine domestic violence helpline: 0508 744 633.
Healthline: 0800 611 116.
