Violence against women:
Violence is inflicted upon women throughout their life be it physical, psychological, emotional, or sexual; in public, at the workplace, and even in private spaces.
A report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), revealed that on average 86 cases of rape were recorded daily in 2021 and every hour at least 49 cases of crime against women were registered.
The various types of violence against women include child marriages, sexual harassment, human trafficking, acid attacks, dowry-related violence, domestic violence, and rape. Even before birth, such as through female feticides and pre-natal sex selection.
Based on NCRB 2021 report here’s a list of some major crimes and the number of victims
- Rape 31,878
- Cruelty by husband or his relatives 1,37,956
- Kidnapping and abduction 76,263
- Acid attack 107
- Rape and murder 293
- Human trafficking 1,580
- Attempt to commit rape 3,811
- Abetment to suicide 5,386
- Dowry deaths 6,795
- Insult to the modesty of women 7,886
The total number of cases reported was 3,57,671
Total number of victims 3,62,891
25th November is celebrated as the international day for the elimination of violence against women across the world. The aim is to raise awareness, to prevent and eliminate violence against women.
On an international basis,
One in three women, around 736 million worldwide, have experienced some form of physical or psychological violence. (UN News)
An estimated 137 women are killed around the world by a family member or intimate partner every day. (UNODC)
Intimate partner violence is by far the most prevalent form of violence against women, affecting an estimated 641 million women and girls around the world. (WHO)
There are laws made for the prevention of such crimes and violations against women, such as the prohibition of child marriages act 2006 which definitely has reduced the numbers but the practice still prevails in some societies. There are many defects in the system and a lot more has to be done for the safety of women.
Too often these crimes are normalized and even more ridiculously seen as the fault of the victim. Due to the stigma and expulsion from society, the victims carry a deep sense of shame.
The least the state could do is to deliver justice.
Also Read: Demanding an end to violence against Women
What’s even more injurious and insulting to the victims and their families is to the criminals walk out free in society.
There have been instances where criminals have walked out of jail despite heavy charges, such as the Bilkis Bano case in which 11 rape and murder convicts were released by the Bjp govt in Gujarat.
Shraddha Walker’s brutal murder case has opened the eyes of many to the reality of cases of violence against women by their partners.
Effective implementation of relevant legislative and policy measures and an iron will are needed in order to curb the crimes and violence against women.
