Globally, an increasing prevalence of crime against women has become an important social issue in recent years. Notwithstanding improvements in gender equality and women’s rights, there is a worrisome trend regarding the rise in violent crimes and prejudiced behavior against women.
crime against women
- “Crime against women” has the semantic connotation of physically or mentally abusing women, either directly or indirectly. The term “crime against women” describes offenses committed only against women and in which they are the only victims.
- It’s equally critical to define “violence” against women. Abuse, which encompasses any form of physical hostility or misbehavior, is another name for violence.
- Domestic violence is defined as violence performed against family members, including parents, spouses, children, and servants.
crime against women in india
The major types of violence against women are as follows:
Kidnapping and Abduction
- “Kidnapping from lawful guardianship” and “kidnapping from India” are synonymous words. The punishment for this purpose is up to 7 years and a fine. According to Section 366 of the Indian Penal Code, kidnapping, abducting, or forcing a woman into marriage or forcing her into forcible sexual relations is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine.
eve teasing
- Eve-teasing is a euphemism for men harassing or molesting women in public. It is a type of sexual aggressiveness that can take many different forms, from groping to sexual remarks, stroking, and catcalls. According to Section 509 of the IPC, anyone who intentionally offends a woman’s modesty by speaking, acting, or displaying anything that violates her privacy may face up to three years in prison and a monetary fine.
Rape
- It is the most prevalent crime against women, and the Indian legal system and society have done nothing to stop this horrible crime. In the eyes of the world, India is a country full of rapists. The offense might be categorized as a minor girl’s rape (Sec. 376), rape of a woman (Sec. 376), rape with murder (Sec. 376A), rape inside families, rape by public employees (Sec. 376C), gang-rape (Sec. 376 D), and rapes committed during marriage (Sec. 376B). These offenses carry sentences of up to seven years in jail, up to twenty years in prison, or life in prison, in addition to fines.
domestic violence
- Domestic violence is another phrase that is frequently used in our nation. The mindset was that since he earned his money by working outside, he was entitled to do anything he wanted with his spouse. But over time, things changed, and women are now employed on an equal basis. These violent crimes include forced sex, beatings, and rapes, among others. The Domestic Violence Act of 2005 defines a one-year sentence and fine in Section 498A.
honor killing
- There are still many murders and other despicable crimes being committed in the name of “honour,” whether it be caste, society, or family. Even still, the majority of these murders and offenses are being recorded from different Indian states. Coercive acts, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as other violent or abusive activities, are all considered crimes committed in the name of “honour.”
dowry death
- In India’s rural areas, the wicked custom of demanding dowries during marriages persists, and if it is stopped, women gradually die. These fatalities have been more frequent in recent years.
Acid Attacks
- Despite the Indian government’s restriction on the sale of acids without sufficient information, acid attacks against women continue to be a common threat and cause harm. According to IPC sections 326A and 326B, anyone who willfully pours acid in order to cause serious harm or to commit an assault faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a monetary fine.
constitutional provision for women
- Equal rights and opportunities in the political, economic, and social spheres are granted to men and women under Article 14.
- Discrimination against any citizen on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or any other reason is forbidden by Article 15.
- Article 16 addresses concerns of equality of opportunities for employment or appointment to public offices.
- The right to a means of subsistence and equal compensation for equal effort for men and women are mentioned in Article 39(a)(d), which addresses policy assurance of state equality for both genders.
- Article 42 mandates that the State provide provisions for maternity leave and fair and compassionate working conditions.
Stopping crime against women: Government Initiatives
- Nirbhaya Fund: The Ministry of Women and Children is in charge of the government-established Nirbhaya Fund, which is used for programs pertaining to women’s security and safety.
- 181 Helpline: Since 2018-19, States and UTs have additionally operationalized an emergency response system. The pan-India women’s hotline assists in coordinating the mobilization of regional resources to save women in need.
- One Stop Centers (OSCs): Designed to provide psycho-social and mental health care to women in distress, OSCs are specifically designed for women who have experienced violence. Swadhar Grehs are available to women who are facing challenging circumstances or destitution.
- Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme: The Ministry of Home Affairs has given financial support to states and union territories (UTs) for capacity-building initiatives aimed at establishing cyber forensic and training laboratories, as well as for the training of cyber consultants, public prosecutors, and judicial officers.
Conclusion
To ensure that women receive the respect and status they deserve, there needs to be a social awakening and a shift in the general public’s mindset. Now is the moment to give women credit where credit is deserved. A youth education program that informs them of current social problems and how to abolish them can help bring about this awakening. Given that the media is now present throughout the country, it can play a significant role in this.
