29

Aug

Rise in sexual violence against women in India: A growing concern

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S. Ameenul Hasan

 

New Delhi | Thursday | 29 August 2024

The tragic case of a 31-year-old post-graduate intern doctor, who was brutally raped and murdered in a prestigious medical college in Kolkata on August 9, 2024, has once again ignited concerns over women’s safety in India. This incident has not only shocked the nation but also raised crucial questions about the overall safety of women in a city like Kolkata, which was once considered one of the safest for women.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports reveal a stark reality—India recorded over 4,45,000 crimes against women in 2022 alone, with more than 31,000 cases of sexual assault. These numbers underscore the urgency of addressing women’s safety, both through legal reforms and societal awareness.

Kolkata’s horrifying incident has triggered widespread outrage, particularly given the city’s previous reputation for safety. This case has brought to light the alarming rise in sexual crimes across the country. In 2018, there were 3,38,000 reported crimes against women, with 10 percent involving rape. NCRB statistics from the same year show that 94 rapes were reported daily in India, a grim reminder of the vulnerability women continue to face.

One of the most disturbing aspects is the fact that 25 percent of rape victims are children. Additionally, 94 percent of crimes against women are perpetrated by individuals known to the victims. This makes the situation even more distressing, as trust is often broken by those closest to the victims. India’s global standing is troubling as well, ranking ninth among countries most unsafe for women.

 

Article at a Glance
The brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old intern doctor in Kolkata has sparked outrage and raised concerns about women's safety in India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, India recorded over 445,000 crimes against women in 2022, with over 31,000 cases of sexual assault.
The incident has highlighted the alarming rise in sexual crimes across the country, with 94 rapes reported daily. The situation is further distressing as 25% of rape victims are children, and 94% of crimes are perpetrated by individuals known to the victims.
The article emphasizes the need for collective action and societal awareness to address women's safety, and for the government to take concrete steps to protect its citizens' lives, property, and dignity.

 

As the medical fraternity across the nation protested for justice for the Kolkata doctor, two young girls in Maharashtra were sexually assaulted, further emphasizing the lawlessness some criminals feel. A government report highlights that only 12 percent of child abuse cases are reported to the police, with parents often reluctant to file cases due to societal stigma.

Despite legal reforms aimed at curbing violence against women, crimes have continued to rise, with the 2022 report showing a 20 percent increase in sexual crimes compared to 2021. One of the major reasons for this ongoing crisis is society’s silence. When 94 incidents of rape occur daily and there is little collective outcry, it emboldens criminals. The division of protests along community lines—whether for a Dalit woman, a Muslim woman, or a female doctor—further fractures the fight for justice.

It is imperative for all sections of society to come together and raise their voices whenever there is an attack on women’s dignity, regardless of the victim's background. Dividing such serious crimes by religion, caste, or profession weakens the pursuit of justice. Collective action is needed to send a powerful message to perpetrators that no injustice will be tolerated.

The Kolkata case also prompted the Supreme Court to intervene by setting up a National Task Force (NTF) to recommend measures for the safety of medical professionals. Among the recommendations are improving hospital security, segregating restrooms for male and female doctors, enhancing technology-based safety measures, and ensuring police presence in hospital premises.

The 2012 Nirbhaya case led to significant legal reforms, with the four accused being hanged in 2020. However, the demand for harsher punishments has only grown since then. Islamic law, for instance, advocates for severe penalties for heinous crimes like rape to deter potential offenders. The emphasis is on using punishment as a deterrent rather than a tool to create fear in society.

Disturbingly, many lawmakers in India themselves face charges of crimes against women. A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) revealed that 16 sitting MPs and 135 sitting MLAs have cases against them, ranging from rape to acid attacks. This not only threatens the rule of law but also raises doubts about the country’s democratic system.

One of the root causes of this issue is the intoxication of power. Individuals in positions of authority often misuse their power, trampling on the dignity and rights of others. To curb this, it is essential to instill a sense of accountability and morality, particularly through belief in consequences beyond this world, as emphasized in various religious teachings.

The story of Umar bin Abdul Aziz, a caliph who swiftly addressed the concerns of a poor woman by improving her home’s security, serves as a lesson for modern-day leaders. It highlights the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens’ lives, property, and dignity.

Sadly, today’s rulers often victimize the vulnerable, as evidenced by instances where the government demolishes homes of individuals involved in protests or accused of crimes. This shows that the problem extends beyond women’s safety to the protection of weaker sections of society.

In this oppressive atmosphere, society’s hope for justice has dimmed. It is crucial that we demand protection for fundamental rights—life, property, dignity, intellect, and faith—so that every individual, regardless of their background, can live with dignity and security. Men and women alike must work together to safeguard these rights and ensure a safer society for all.

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