Are 38% Of Indian Women Silent Survivors Of Violence?

According to experts, 38 percent of Indian women across all strata are affected by violence. Experts revealed this in Hyderabad while speaking about the need to stop violence against women. Dheera, an initiative launched at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Congress in 2016, has been sensitizing girls against violence. It is also addressing obstetricians and gynecologists, including stakeholders from all sectors.

What's even more concerning is the revelation that over 50% of these women seem to accept violence as the norm. It's high people from all walks of live come together and dismantle this distorted thought process and create a society that unequivocally rejects violence against women.

How Dheera is Sensitizing Women Against Violence?

The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics president, Prof. S Shantha Kumari, said "We sensitise our Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) members to guide and help the woman in distress because often the first point of contact for a woman is a gynaecologist. We started a two-hour online course to sensitise children in the age group of 9 to 11. Currently, we have covered almost 3,700 schools to date."

Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan talked about the statistics of crime against women in Hyderabad. Hyderabad, like many other urban centers in India, grapples with a high incidence of violence against women. Shockingly, there were 13,000 reported cases in the city, encompassing various forms of crime against women. What makes the situation even more alarming is that over 50% of these women reportedly believe that such violence is acceptable.

Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan highlights the urgent need to challenge this acceptance within the societal mindset: "That is the kind of thought process we need to break."

What Other Reports Say?

The recent NCRB report 2022 revealed that the number of crimes against women was 4,28,278 in 2021, showing an increase of over 20,000 more cases this year. Most of the crimes committed against women were registered under the 'Cruelty by husband or relatives' category. This was followed by kidnapping and abduction of women, which stood at 19.2 percent. Assault on women with intent to outrage' stood at 18.7%, and 7.1% of cases were rape cases. The report shows that 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women were reported last year, and 31.4 percent of these were committed by husbands or relatives. A total of 31,516 rape cases were recorded in 2022 in India.

The battle against violence against women demands a united front. Initiatives like Dheera pave the way for change by addressing the issue at its core. However, a broader societal shift necessitates collaborative efforts from all sectors. By raising awareness, sensitizing the younger generation, and challenging ingrained beliefs, we can aspire to create a safer and more equitable environment for women across India.