VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN INDIA

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN INDIA

**Author:- NISTHA MISHRA, a Student of AMITY UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW CAMPUS

INTRODUCTION

India, a nation known for its rich cultural diversity and deep-rooted traditions, has also been grappling with a deeply concerning issue: violence against women. While India has made strides in various areas, violence against women remains a persistent problem that demands attention, action, and change. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of violence against women in India, its underlying causes, and the efforts being made to combat it.

In his address to the nation on India's 75th birthday last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a "change in the mentality" towards women and asked citizens to fight misogyny.

"A distortion has crept in our conduct and we at times insult women. Can we take a pledge to get rid of this in our behaviour," he suggested, urging people to "take a pledge to get rid of everything that humiliates women in everyday life".

Crimes against women are increasing at an alarming rate. Some common forms of violence against women are rape, dowry deaths, female infanticide, forced child marriage, abduction, and cases of acid throwing on women.

Women are not safe in public spaces, but that does not mean that they are safe in their private spaces. Various cases of domestic violence are reported. Cases of domestic violence such as marital rape, dowry deaths, mental torture, bride burning, and female infanticide are reported daily.

Women are not safe in their private as well as the public sphere. Violence ranging from eve-teasing to murder of women is taking place daily. But a very few number cases are reported and only a small percentage of those accused get punished.

Gender roles in society are directions about how one is supposed to speak, behave, and dress according to their sex. Distinct gender roles are one major reason for violence against women. Our society has long been dominated by these gender norms and relationships.

THE PREVALENCE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN:

Violence against women in India takes various forms, and its prevalence is alarming:

Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is widespread, affecting women across all socioeconomic backgrounds. It includes physical, emotional, and economic abuse, often perpetuated by intimate partners or family members.
Sexual Violence: Incidents of rape, sexual harassment, and molestation are reported regularly. The heinous 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape case in Delhi brought global attention to this issue.
Dowry-Related Violence: The practice of dowry continues in some parts of India, leading to harassment, dowry deaths, and violence against brides and their families.
Honor Killings: In certain conservative regions, family’s resort to honour killings to punish women who defy traditional norms regarding marriage and relationships.
Female Infanticide and Foeticide: Deep-seated gender bias has led to the killing of female infants or the termination of female pregnancies, contributing to a skewed sex ratio.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN:

Gender Inequality: A patriarchal society perpetuates unequal power dynamics, leading to discrimination against women and girls.
Cultural Norms: Some cultural practices, such as the dowry system, reinforce the subjugation of women.
Lack of Education: Limited access to education in some areas contributes to women's vulnerability and perpetuates stereotypes.
Legal Challenges: While India has introduced progressive laws to protect women, enforcement remains a challenge, often leading to impunity for perpetrators.

THE RISING GRAPH

Of the six million crimes that police in India recorded between 1 January and 31 December last year, 428,278 cases involved crimes against women.

It's a rise of 26.35% over six years - from 338,954 cases in 2016.

Most of the cases in 2021, the report said, were of kidnappings and abduction, rapes, domestic violence, dowry deaths and assaults.

Also, 107 women were attacked with acid, 1,580 women were trafficked, 15 girls were sold, and 2,668 women were victims of cybercrimes.

With more than 56,000 cases, the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which is India's most populous with 240 million people, once again topped the list.

It was followed by Rajasthan with 40,738 cases and Maharashtra with 39,526 cases.

LEGISLATIONS FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN INDIA

India has ranked number three for cyber-bullying crimes, and this is no longer even shocking anymore as the variety of users are rising day with the aid of day and most of them are fake accounts.

Information Technology Act, 2000:

The Act of 2000 (Amendment 2008) was surpassed by the Government of India for dealing with crimes on internet. Cyber-bullying is one such crime which occurs on the web and leaves a lifetime have an impact on the sufferer however alas the offence of cyber-bullying has yet no longer been brought in this Act.

However, there are some redress for the victims furnished in this Act against cyber-bullying:

Section 66(D):

This Section states that, if an individual cheats any one by using portraying their image any individual else on the net or the social media, he/she shall be punished. The imprisonment may additionally be up to 3 years and/or a high-quality of Rs. 1 Lakh.

Section 66(E):

Under this Section one can be punished for capturing someone's non-public photos intentionally and placing it on the internet or social media besides their consent. The imprisonment might also final up to three years and/or with a quality of Rs. three lakhs.

Section 67:

Under this Section one can be punished if they transfer, circulate, or upload vulgar or unsuitable material on the net or social media. The imprisonment can also final up to 5 years and/or with a great of Rs. 10 Lakhs.

Indian Penal Code, 1860:

IPC is the reputable crook code of India. There is no particular provision referred to for cyber-bullying under the act. However, there are some sections which can also deal with the offenses in opposition to cyber-bullying:

Section 507:

If any individual frightens the different man or woman anonymously on the net or social media and threatens them or forces them to do something without their will, he shall be punished under this section. The imprisonment might also last up to two years.

Section 509:

Under this Section one can be punished if he tries to insult the modesty of a woman, this can additionally be on internet or social media, The imprisonment might also remain up to 1 year, with/without fine.

Section 354(C):

Under this Section one can be punished if he captures a woman's pictures besides her consent or permission when she is in her non-public space. The imprisonment can also be of 1-3 years and nevertheless if the accused continues the offense, he shall be imprisoned for 3-7 years.

Section 354(D):

Under this Section one can be punished if they stalk any one or monitors their everyday things to do on the internet except their know-how with an intention to motive them damage or to harm them. The imprisonment may remain up to three years.

Section 499:

Under this Section one can be punished if they defame someone. Defamation can additionally be on internet or social media.

CONCLUSION

Violence against women in India is a complex issue rooted in deeply ingrained societal norms. While there have been significant efforts to combat this problem, it remains a challenge that requires sustained commitment from all sectors of society. By addressing the root causes, improving legal processes, and promoting gender equality through education and awareness, India can hope to create a safer and more equitable society where women are free from violence and discrimination. It is an endeavour that demands the collective will and effort of all Indians to ensure that women can live with dignity and respect.

REFERENCES

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/talkingpoint/violence-against-women-in-india-43462/

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-62830634

https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-7762-violence-against-women-in-india.html