Context
In recent weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised alarm over the increasing atrocities against women and the safety of children in India. His remarks come in the wake of shocking incidents, including the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata and the sexual abuse of young girls in Badlapur, Maharashtra. These events have sparked nationwide outrage and highlighted the urgent need for systemic change to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
The Current Landscape of Women’s Safety in India
Alarming Statistics: Alarming Statistics: As per the NCRB report, India had at least 445000 cases of crimes against women in 2022, this means one woman is raped every 15 minutes in India. This statistic gives alarming idea of increasing violence against women including the cases of domestic violence, sexual assault and other related abuses.
- Domestic Violence: Accounts for 31.4% of reported crimes against women.
- Sexual Assault: Rape constitutes 7.1% of these crimes, with 94 rape cases reported daily.
- Kidnapping and Abduction: Comprises 19.2% of the total crimes, showcasing the vulnerability of women in public spaces.
Such statistics are really a cause for concern for the safety of women in India especially in urban centres that are considered more secure compared to the rural areas.
Societal Attitudes and Cultural Norms: Culture especially towards women and children is considered as playing a major role in allowing violence to continue. Bitter and unfathomable cultural and traditional practices that fetishize women often result in the culture of RPC and many denied justice. Perceived norms such as sexual violence and domestic abuse are still stigmatized, contributing to low reporting of offenses.
The Role of the Judiciary
- Ensuring Justice: The judiciary is very important in the protection of the rights of women as well as children. Prime minister PM Modi has also appreciated the mediating role of the judiciary as a defender of the Constitution noting that justice must be done and be done rightly and in a timely manner. The National Conference of District Judiciary that was recently held had some of the debates on how the legal system can increase its performance in responding to the violence cases against women and children.
- Legal Framework: India has many laws in place to safeguard women and children. They are the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and POCSO Act. Nonetheless, the enforcement of these laws is not effective because of bureaucratic procedures and prejudice in society.
Addressing Child Safety in India
Current Challenges
Another important area that can actually be an issue of concern as identified by the Prime Minister is that of the safety of children. According to United Nations estimates, India has more than 400 million children below the age of 18 years which is why their protection is critical. There are state and federal laws that are already in place to prevent child abuse and exploitation but the situation is this. Another proof of an increasing problem in child protection is the fact that more than 128 thousand cases of crimes against children were registered in 2020.
- Poverty and Socioeconomic Inequality: Large numbers of children remain poor which makes them at risk of being abused and exploited.
- Child Labour and Trafficking: There are millions of child laborers, forced labor and traffic in the sexual exploitation of children continues.
- Sexual Abuse: Generally sexual abuse on children remains high throughout the world with cultures such as ours deterring reporting or prosecution of the culprits.
Government Initiatives for Safety
The government has initiated several measures to enhance the safety of women and children, including:
- Nirbhaya Fund: Created to fund interventions on programmes meant to enhance the security of women.
- One Stop Centres: creation of a one-stop shopping for women who experience violence.
- Community Engagement: Prevention programs intended to increase public awareness on issues to do with women rights and support for the victims.
The Path Forward
To effectively tackle the issues of violence against women and children, a comprehensive strategy is required. This includes:
- Stricter Law Enforcement: Protecting the constitution for that which it is – a revered piece of document through which the protection of the citizens is facilitated and ensuring that CA has not only been enacted into law but also enforced.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Promoting gender equality as well as raising awareness equal to reporting of crime within the society.
- Empowerment Programs: To empower women and children they need to be equipped with resources and necessary assistance to stand up against it.
- Collaboration with NGOs: Expanded collaboration of the international actors with non-governmental organisations and direct involvement in fighting for the rights of the victims.
Source: The Hindu