J&K recording rise in crimes against women, children

Srinagar, Mar 25: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a concerning rise in reported cases of crimes against women and children in recent years, as per the latest official data even as officials said new criminal justice laws to enhance more protection.

The data indicates that cases of crimes against women in J&K have fluctuated over the years. In 2020, the erstwhile state recorded 3,405 cases, which increased to 3,937 in 2021 before slightly declining to 3,716 in 2022. Similarly, crimes against children have seen an upward trend, with cases rising from 606 in 2020 to 845 in 2021, and reaching 920 in 2022. To address these challenges, the Government of India has implemented various legislative and policy measures, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and support systems such as the Women Helpline-181 and Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112). However, despite these efforts, J&K continues to grapple with significant challenges in fully safeguarding women and children. The enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) on July 1, 2024, marks a major shift in the country’s criminal justice system. Officials said that there are stronger provisions against sexual exploitation, trafficking, and child abuse. Sections 69, 95, 70 and 111 have been implemented in J&K to stop crimes against women and children.

The BNSS includes provisions for witness protection, ensuring that victims and key witnesses are shielded from threats or intimidation. Meanwhile, the BSA facilitates the use of digital evidence, enabling victims to present emails, voice recordings, and documents as proof in cases of harassment and violence. To promote a safer and more inclusive workplace for women, officials said that the government has implemented several Labour Codes that included the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code (2020): Consolidates workplace safety laws with specific provisions for women’s security. Additionally, officials said that the government has launched the SHe-Box portal, a centralised platform for women to report workplace sexual harassment. The system notifies both public and private sector organisations to take immediate action while providing complainants with real-time updates.

Pertinently, the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has already formulated Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for Women Help Desks at police stations, ensuring gender-sensitive handling of cases. Additionally, law enforcement personnel, medical officers, and investigators are receiving specialized training to improve their response to crimes against women and children. Additionally recognising the psychological impact of violence, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has collaborated with NIMHANS to train One Stop Centre staff in providing mental health support to survivors. The Samarthya sub-scheme under Mission Shakti also aids in the rehabilitation of women in distress.