Manipur Across India: Women As Targets

By: Manya Upreti

According to recent figures, there was a 15.3 percent increase in crime against women in 2021 compared to the previous year

India continues to struggle with crimes against women, a problem that has troubled its society for many years as we enter the year 2023. The safety and security of women continue to be a major concern despite numerous legal changes and societal efforts.

Over time, statistics on a range of crimes, including economic and financial crimes and crimes against women, have been found in great depth in NCRB publications. In 2021, there was a 7.6 percent decrease in recorded crimes overall compared to 2020. There were 445.9 fewer crimes committed per lakh people than there were in 2020.

As per the available records provided in the NCRB website the data from 2016-2018 gives us the insight on the 6 states with the worst crime rate in India.

According to recent figures, there was a 15.3 percent increase in crime against women in 2021 compared to the previous year. In terms of incidences per 1 lakh people, the frequency of crimes against women increased from 56.5 percent in 2020 to 64.5 percent in 2021, according to the NCRB data.

 Most of these incidents fell under the category of "Cruelty by a spouse or his relatives," which accounts for 31.8 percent of all reported cases. Next in line are "Assault on women with an intent to outrage her modesty," which accounts for 20.8 percent of all reported cases, kidnapping and abduction (17.6 percent), and rape (7.4 percent).

Delving into the prevailing crimes against women in India

• Gender based violence

Despite improvements in many areas, gender-based violence is still a major problem in India. Women are frequently threatened with harm to their safety and self-respect, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and harassment. Recent reports indicate a widespread societal issue as seen by the frighteningly high rates of rape, dowry killings, acid attacks, and human trafficking.

• Rape and sexual assault

One of the most awful offences against women in India is still rape. The horrifying occurrences of gang rapes, which are frequently committed by people the victim knows, are frequently covered by the media. Furthermore, slow justice, poor conviction rates, and an ineffective legal system foster a culture of impunity.

• Domestic Violence

Another serious issue affecting countless women nationwide is domestic abuse. Due to cultural shame and a lack of support systems, victims frequently endure their suffering in silence. Many women are discouraged from seeking assistance because of ongoing implementation issues with legislation like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.

• Acid Attacks

India frequently witnesses extremely terrible acts of violence like acid assaults. Attackers specifically target women to permanently scar them physically and psychologically. The threat persists despite the implementation of tighter legislation to stop such crimes, showing deeply rooted patriarchal attitudes.

• Dowry Deaths

In India, the threat of dowry-related violence is still present. In-laws continue to treat women cruelly and abusively when they don't pay the required dowry, which has sad results like dowry killings. This practice has not totally been abolished by the Dowry Prohibition Act, demanding a more determined effort to alter mindsets and uphold the law.

• Human Trafficking

Thousands of women and girls fall victim to human trafficking each year, making it a persistent problem. They are coerced into domestic servitude, forced labor, or sexual exploitation. Border restrictions are lax and anti-trafficking policies are poorly implemented, which helps this horrible crime to continue.

• Cyber Crime

Technology abuse has grown to be a major worry in recent years. Intimate content sharing without consent, cyberbullying, and online harassment are all on the rise, harming women's reputations and causing them great grief.

• Socio-Cultural Factors

In India, crimes against women are frequently related to ingrained social and cultural elements. Gender inequality and patriarchal views are two important causes of the normalization of violence against women. The situation is made worse by the desire for males over daughters, the lack of economic and educational prospects, and the persistence of negative stereotypes.

Role of Awareness and Gender-Responsive Policies

Even while there are many obstacles to overcome, there are also constructive initiatives being taken to combat crimes against women in India. Campaigns have been established by the government, NGOs, and several grassroots organizations to raise awareness, educate communities, and empower women. For instance, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign seeks to advance gender equality and the position of girls.

India's persistently serious problem with crimes against women calls for immediate attention and coordinated response. The year 2023 represents a pivotal turning point for the country, one in which it must reflect and make clear decisions to safeguard the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women. This entails tighter enforcement of already-existing laws, improved access to justice, extensive gender sensitization initiatives, and a transformation of cultural norms. India can only aspire to build a society where women can live without fear and exercise their fundamental rights as equal citizens with the help of these concerted efforts.