Assault on women rise 61% in 4 years

Data by NFHS-4 suggests that only 14 percent of women who have experienced physical or sexual violence have sought help to stop the violence, down from 24 percent in NFHS-3.

Ghaziabad: Recent data released by the National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) for  2019 states that there has been a rise in cases of assault on women by 61.5 percent in Ghaziabad as compared to  2015. While there were 122 reported cases of assault on women in 2015, the number went up to 197 in 2019..  

Tanya (name changed), a resident of Ghaziabad said, “Harassment is not a new issue to any girl or woman. My friends and I face it regularly. Some boys even follow me home while I return from college. I have talked to my parents about this, but nothing changed. Such incidents have made me insecure.” 

The reported cases of stalking have been rising since 2015. The number of cases went up from 17 to 39, which is more than a twofold increase. 

Dr. Karnika Seth, a cyber-law expert who supports initiatives for woman empowerment, said that the women should be introduced to possible remedies to such harassments like stalking. “We have moved both civil and criminal procedures for women, depending upon the relief they need in a case. Sometimes, I also suggest them to take help from the national commission of women depending upon the consequence.” 

Although, there has been a decrease in cases of assault on women in 2019 compared to year 2018 when the number was 235. Ghaziabad Police officer Vipin Singh said, “Undoubtedly, the cases were rising so we increased patrolling near schools and colleges. We also respond  immediately to any such complaints.”

Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of National Commission for Women (NCW), said that many women seek help from the NCW through the helpline instead of lodging complaints in the police station, especially during the lockdown period. 

Data by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) suggests that only 14 percent of women who have experienced physical or sexual violence have sought help to stop the violence, down from 24 percent in NFHS-3. The survey also states that thirty percent of women have experienced physical violence since age 15, and six percent have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.

Social activist Khaleem, said, “This is a very common problem. In the majority of cases, women are unaware of where to seek help from.” He added,  “Awareness programs should be held in big and small cities, and even slums.”