Crime against women

Once considered as totally safe for women, Jammu and Kashmir is now witnessing a rise in the incidents of crime against women. This is a cause of concern. Both the society and the concerned authorities must act before it is too late.

According to a report, more than 2340 cases related to crime against women were registered last year in Jammu and Kashmir. A number of women who face these criminal acts do not report such incidents to the concerned department, so such cases go unrecognised. The cases include the domestic violence incidents also.

For last several years there is an increase in such incidents. There are incidents when women were murdered or beaten and injured seriously. There were also incidents of acid attack. There is immediate need to make the environment safe for women. Be it their homes, working places, public places or the public transport.

They have to be protected from physical violence, harassment, mental torture or bullying. It is the duty of the family to prevent domestic violence against their female members by any other member or members. Since females are working in every field of life, they should be protected from mental torture or bullying at work places.

They must be given equal opportunities to excel in their fields and their professional growth should not be hampered by any type of criminal acts, and criminal behaviour by others. Large number of working and other women besides, female students use public transport. Their journey should be made safe.

There are reports of eve- teasing also. Such actions have to be put to an end in offices, educational and professional institutions and in public places and public transport. The families must develop habit among their members to respect women.

They should be made to understand that anybody misbehaving, abusing, ill- treating or committing a criminal act against a woman represents his family and its upbringing. By disrespecting a woman or harassing or torturing her, or abusing her, he actually gives a bad name to his family.

There is also a need that the government departments dealing with such incidents must act strictly against those indulging in such acts.

If given a free hand, others will also get encouraged. The society and the concerned departments must act as a strong wall to protect women from any crimes against them.