The National Commission for Women (NCW) has raised alarm bells with its recent report revealing a significant surge in crimes against women in 2022. According to the NCW's Statistical Overview of Complaints, there were a staggering 30,957 complaints registered last year, representing a worrying 30% increase from the previous year's figures.
The state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) emerged as the epicenter of these distressing incidents, accounting for a shocking 54.5% of the total complaints. Following UP, Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Haryana also reported distressing numbers of complaints, highlighting the nationwide scope of the issue.
Among the disturbing types of crimes, emotional abuse and domestic violence topped the list, constituting the highest number of complaints. UP witnessed the highest incidence of such cases, pointing to the urgent need for attention and intervention in the state. The complaints also encompassed other grievous offenses, including outraging modesty, molestation, rape, police apathy, and cybercrimes, underscoring the various challenges women face in society.
In response to a question in Lok Sabha, women, and child development minister Smriti Irani presented alarming data indicating an increase in dowry harassment and rape complaints over the last three years. This data raises concerns about the safety and security of women and the urgency to address these issues effectively.
To expedite the judicial process and ensure swift justice, the country has 764 fast-track special courts in operation, including 411 e-POCSO courts, as of January 2023. However, despite these efforts, over 198,000 cases remained pending as of December 2022, signaling the need for greater efficiency and measures to tackle the backlog.
In light of the escalating complaints, NCW chief Rekha Sharma attributed the rise to an increased awareness among women and the commission's proactive initiatives to support and empower them. While the surge in complaints reflects women's willingness to come forward and seek justice, it also underscores the pressing need for society, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to work collectively to address the root causes of these crimes and create a safer environment for women across the country.
As the nation grapples with this troubling reality, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize gender sensitization, strengthen legal frameworks, and implement robust measures to protect and uplift women, ensuring that they can live free from fear and violence.
