Breaking the Silence: Empowering Women Victims of Crime in India

India, with its rich cultural heritage and diversity, often finds itself at the crossroads of modernity and tradition. Despite significant advancements in various spheres, the country continues to grapple with a persistent and harrowing issue: crimes against women. From domestic violence to sexual harassment and human trafficking, the spectrum of crimes against women is vast and deeply entrenched in societal norms and attitudes. This article delves into the current state of crimes against women in India, highlights the available support mechanisms, and proposes actionable strategies to empower women victims to seek help.

The Grim Statistics

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data provides a stark picture of the situation. In 2021 alone, India reported over 428,278 cases of crimes against women. These include:

• Domestic Violence: Accounting for a significant portion of crimes, domestic violence remains one of the most under-reported crimes due to societal stigma and fear of retaliation.
• Sexual Harassment and Assault: In 2021, over 31,677 cases of rape were reported, translating to approximately 86 rapes per day. Additionally, incidents of sexual harassment in public spaces and workplaces continue to rise.
• Human Trafficking: India is both a source and destination country for human trafficking, with thousands of women and girls trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation.

Societal and Legal Challenges

Several factors contribute to the prevalence and perpetuation of these crimes, including:

• Patriarchal Mindset: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms often dictate the behavior and roles of women, leading to gender-based discrimination and violence.
• Legal System: While India has enacted several laws to protect women, such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act (2013), the implementation and enforcement of these laws remain inconsistent.
• Economic Dependence: Economic dependence on male family members often prevents women from seeking help or leaving abusive situations.

Empowering Women to Seek Help

To combat these challenges, it is imperative to create an environment where women feel empowered to seek help without fear of stigma or retaliation. Here are several strategies and platforms that can play a crucial role:

1. Education and Awareness:

   • Awareness Campaigns: Launching nationwide awareness campaigns about women's rights and available support services can help in educating the masses.
   • School Curriculums: Integrating gender sensitivity and awareness programs into school curriculums can help in shaping young minds towards a more gender-equal society.

2. Support Services:

   • One-Stop Centers: The government has established One-Stop Centers (OSCs) across the country to provide medical, legal, and psychological support to women victims of violence.
   • Helplines: Helplines like Women’s Helpline (181) and Childline (1098) offer immediate assistance and counseling services.

3. Online Platforms:

   • SheTeams: An initiative by the Hyderabad City Police, SheTeams focus on curbing eve-teasing and harassment in public places through dedicated police teams.
   • National Commission for Women (NCW): A statutory body set up to review the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for women, recommend remedial legislative measures, facilitate redressal of grievances and advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women.
   • My Safetipin: A mobile app that provides safety scores of different areas based on factors like lighting, public transport, and police presence, helping women make informed decisions about their safety.
   • SheThePeople: A women’s channel inspired by real stories where women connect, learn, share and grow. We are the go to safe space for conversations, and connections for women. We cover stories across India and the world on women who are living on their own terms.

4. Legal Aid:

   • Free Legal Services: Organizations like the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) provide free legal aid to women in need.
   • NGO Support: Non-governmental organizations like Breakthrough and Jagori offer legal assistance, counseling, and rehabilitation services to women victims.

The Role of Society

Empowering women to seek help is not just the responsibility of the government or law enforcement agencies; it requires a collective effort from society. Families, communities, and individuals must challenge and change the patriarchal attitudes that perpetuate violence against women. By fostering an environment of respect, equality, and support, we can make significant strides towards eradicating crimes against women.

The Path Forward: Your Role in Empowering Women

As we reflect on the current state of crimes against women in India, it is crucial to ask ourselves: What more can we do to support and empower women victims to seek help? How can we, as individuals and as a society, contribute to creating a safer and more equitable environment for all women? Your thoughts and actions can make a difference.

Let's continue the conversation and work towards a future where every woman feels safe, respected, and empowered. Share your ideas and join the movement to combat crimes against women and support victims in seeking the help they need.

A Collective Effort - Sporsho - Madhuban Mukherjee

“…A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.”

These lines from William H. Davies’ poem “Leisure” rightly describe our life these days. We are too busy making a livelihood for ourselves to care much about anything under the sun, although there are times when we are troubled by the misery around us and feel a severe urge to eradicate them all. However, our busy lifestyle pulls us back into the same monotonous vortex and we leave the task for the NGOs to accomplish. What we don’t come to know about is there are many struggling NGOs with great thoughts and initiatives but lack support. Wouldn’t it be just wonderful if we could get associated with any of these struggling NGOs and make their dreams ours! This thought led to the foundation of Sporsho in 2008. But like any other NGO, Sporsho had to go through its share of struggles and could actively start contributing only in 2012.

Sporsho or “the touch” aims at supporting existing NGOs like Rainbow Homes, Aman Vedika and Cheers Foundation in their noble endeavor of improving the lives of orphaned children.

I am privileged to be a part of Sporsho for two years now. Every quarter, we pay a visit to one of these homes. We deliberately limit our reach to a handful of needy NGOs as we believe in consistent qualitative growth of a few over a scattered quantitative approach. We also do not believe in monetary contributions. A week prior to the visit, we collect all the requirements given to us by these NGOs.

My favourite part of being associated with Sporsho is the day of the visit. As soon as we enter through the gates of the home, we are welcomed by a bubbly bunch of kids. They don’t hesitate in holding our hands, their “Akka-s” & “Anna-s”, as they guide us to a gathering. We sit with the kids as they introduce themselves; each of them echoing the same standard format, probably taught to them by their teacher, “I am ____. I study in ____. I want to be ___”.  One can also make out that every single kid in the room is in their best dress for this much anticipated meet, their eyes beaming with excitement as they share a giggle, or nudge each other with their elbows.  One look around the room would fill anyone with unfathomable hope, ambition and happiness. Minutes into the interaction, and the singers and dancers amongst them can be easily identified; one request is all it takes to make them perform. And who wouldn’t love to watch such enthusiastic kids perform, who share such a strong bond among each other? All this only makes one want to become a child again. When it is time for us to leave, all the kids come to us individually and say, “sister, please come again”. While we smile and nod our heads, we say to ourselves,”Sure, wouldn’t miss it for anything!” Their innocent smiles are our takeaway for the day. And our attachment and bonding with them are a promise for a better tomorrow!

Talking about childhood, stories constitute a big part in everyone’s existence. Be it stories that we read or stories that are told to us by our parents or grandparents. Today I am reminded of one such story. I am sure most of us have heard this or a modified version. Here’s how it goes:

Once upon a time, there lived a very virtuous man who was loved by all. Impressed with his philanthropic activities God thought of granting him a wish. So He goes to the man and tells him, “I gift you with the most beautiful kingdom on earth. You get the best of everything there. However, you can stay there only for 2 years, and after that you have to spend the rest of your life in the most chaotic kingdom in the world.” The man accepted the gift humbly and became the king of the most beautiful kingdom in the world. He was mesmerized by the near ideal place and began living there happily with his wife. Two years passed and it was time for him to go to the most chaotic kingdom in the world. But he didn’t seem one bit disturbed with the thought. He packed his bag and left for that kingdom. Upon reaching, his wife was surprised to see another kingdom even more beautiful than the one they were living in. She was convinced that they made a mistake and asked her husband, “Did we lose our way?” To which her husband smiled and replied, “No, my dear! Since I was told I have to come here after 2 years, I used my influence and power to make this kingdom even more beautiful!”

So often we lack the foresight the king had. We have at some point or the other told ourselves, ‘I wish I did better then!’ We have experienced and learnt. But what’s better, experience and learn or learn to not experience?

Every time I visit the kids at their NGO-run homes, I ensure that they have a merry time. However, I can’t help but think that all of them will once have to leave the security and comfort of these homes and make a living for themselves. I encourage them to make the best of all opportunities and prepare themselves for the world that awaits them outside the walls.

I feel it’s our collective duty to help improve the lives of less privileged. And especially for the kids, apart from providing for their material requirements, we also have a responsibility to teach them life’s lessons and open up their minds.