Introduction:-
In a country where women are worshipped as a goddess, but as you talk about, the crimes against women are still on the peak . It’s not about in modern time period ,the crimes continues from an ages .
From domestic abuse to heinous acts like rape, acid attacks, and cyber harassment, women in India continue to face threats to their safety and dignity on a daily basis. While the legal system has evolved significantly over the decades, the ground reality often fails to reflect the intent of the law. This article majorly focuses upon the crimes committed against women in India, the legal provisions that are mentioned into the IPC, CrPC to protect them. And the challenges is ensuring the justice and protection.
Outlines of the article
- The scope of crime against women :
The crime against women encompass the all acts of gender based violence like physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women. This includes threat of violence, coercion ,or deprivation of liberty, regardless or whether they occur in public or private life .
- The NCRB definition complies and publishes data on these crimes in its annual report, ‘Crime in India’.
- Violence against women- particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence – is a major public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights.
Here are majorly the estimate published by WHO indicate that globally about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
- The legal provisions for protection of women :
Indian penal code (IPC): the IPC contains several sections that specifically address offences the crime against women and provide legal protection. These includes offences like coercion , assault , sexual harassment ,outraging modesty, and cruelty by husband or any other their relatives.
Additionally, the protection of women from domestic violence act , 2005 offers civil remedies for women facing domestic violence.
Section 354: assault or crimimal force to women
Types of violence against women :-
Intimate-partner violence
Intimate partner violence refers to behaviour by an intimate partner or ex-partner that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours. This is one of the most common forms of violence experienced by women globally.
- Physical violence: Acts like slapping, choking or burning.
- Sexual violence: Coercive acts including spousal rape.
- Psychological violence: Tactics of fear and control such as intimidation or forced isolation.
- Economic violence: Maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding access to money.
Types of violence against women
Key facts:
Violence against women – particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence – is a major public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights.
Estimates published by WHO indicate that globally about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
Most of this violence is intimate partner violence. Worldwide, almost one third (27%) of women aged 15-49 years who have been in a relationship report that they have been subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner.
Violence can negatively affect women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, and may increase the risk of acquiring HIV in some settings.
Violence against women is preventable. The health sector has an important role to play to provide comprehensive health care to women subjected to violence, and as an entry point for referring women to other support services they may need.
Causes of Crime Against Women
Patriarchal Mindset: Deep-rooted beliefs that women are inferior to men foster an environment where abuse is tolerated or ignored.
Lack of Education: Illiteracy limits awareness of legal rights and hinders economic independence.
Weak Law Enforcement: Delays in justice, corruption, and lack of sensitivity among police and judiciary discourage women from reporting crimes.
Cultural and Religious Practices: Certain customs and practices reinforce discriminatory attitudes toward women.
Economic Dependence: Financial reliance on men makes it difficult for women to break free from abusive situations.
Relevant cases of crime against women
Domestic violence :
S.R Batra V. Taruna Batra (2007)
The Supreme Court ruled that there’s no right of women on the property of In laws if it’s not a shared household under the domestic violence act. While the judgments highlighted the need for protection of women.
Rape and sexual assault:
Mukesh & ors V. State (NCT Delhi) (2017)
This case also known as Nirbhaya case, the Supreme Court ruled that this landmark judgement led to the death punishment of the accused and resulted in the criminal law(amendment) act , 2013 led the strict punishment for rape.
Dowry harassment and death:
Kamlesh panjiyar V. State of Bihar (2005)
The Supreme Court held that the conviction of the dowry prohibition act under section 304B IPC (dowry death) . Reinforcing the need for deterrence.
Acid attacks:
Laxmi V. Union of India (2014)
The PIL filed by the acid attack survivor led by the Supreme Court to mandate strict regulations on acid sales and compensation for victims.
Workplace harassment:
Vishaka V. State of Rajasthan ( 1997)
The woman faces sexual harassment at workplace.
Conclusion
The crime against women is not only a heinous crime but also includes the society which only blames the women for any crime that was committed. Because women are objectified by the men that she’s wearing a short dress she must want something, or she is going on a job, going to college or schools they’ll think that women are always wanting pleasure or any kind of attention. But the reality is different. They just want to live freely and enjoy each and everything just like women.
Although that’s all my perspective as being a woman we’re facing a lot of problems everyday. The sexual harassment, assault,cruelty, domestic abuse by husband and relatives .
Crimes against women are not merely legal violations—they are societal failures rooted in deep-seated gender biases. While laws and judgments have strengthened the fight for justice, true change can only come when society collectively commits to ending discrimination, promoting equality, and ensuring every woman lives free from fear and oppression.
Our legal system upgraded the laws and also included much more laws implementation for women protection and evolving the opportunity that a woman can raise her voice toward cruelty and ensuring the fast justice and sensitization of the police and judiciary vital steps.
Behind every crime against women there is a story of pain, trauma, and resilience. These are not just statistics- They are real lives.
Ending this cycle of violence is not just a legal duty, but a moral duty too.
We owe it to every mother, sister, daughter and friend to protect them at any cost and provide them with morals as well as strengthen their inner core.
Author – POOJA SINGH , a student at Sambhunath Institute of Law jhalwa, Prayagraj
