Every Citizen has a constitutional right to equality and dignity. The Government of India, law enforcement agencies including police system & judiciary are duty bound to ensure the safety and security of citizens without any bais to caste, creed and gender. Women in India Constitute approximately 48 per cent of the total population and they are vulnerable to various type of crime against women. Offences against women and Children are initiated at pre-natal diagnostic test of sex of the foetus on female foeticide at parental level, at birth female infanticide, trafficking, sexual exploitation rape, acid attack, child labour and also on virtual space including cybercrime- pornography, indecent, representation, sending indecent messages and cyber bullying etc. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, in 2011, there were more than 228,650 reported incidents of crime against women, while in 2021, there were 4,28,278 reported incidents, an 87% increase.
The principle of gender equality is a precious object enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its preamble, Fundamental right, Fundamental duties and Directive Principles. However, the Scenario of crime against women is drastically changes. Crime against women is direct or indirect, physical or mental, in any means is cruelty towards women. Crimes those are directed specifically against women and in which the women are the only victims fall under the category crime against women. It has been noticed that during the covid pandemic the crime rates against women had enhanced in form of domestic violence as well as cyberspace bullying. Throughout India, various legislations have been proclaimed and amended from time to time to redress this specific issue.
Large campaigns have been circulated for spreading awareness for crime against women. Government has recently taken a large footstep towards women empowerment and equality through very recent women’s Reservation bill (2023). People have become more aware and more sensitive towards the injustice with the victims. Gender sensitization is becoming the voice of upcoming youth and generation in India.
