J&K reports 12,000 cases of crimes against women in 3-yrs

Srinagar, Nov 20: Jammu and Kashmir has reported around 12,000 cases of crimes against women over the past three years.
According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 3800-4000 cases of crimes against women have been reported on an average in a year across Jammu and Kashmir over the last three years.
The crimes include offenses such as molestation, rape, domestic cruelty by husbands or relatives, and the abduction and kidnapping of women. Despite these alarming figures, many cases remain unreported due to societal stigma and fear of reprisal, according to police sources.
“Women are often hesitant to come forward because of the stigma associated with these crimes,” a police official said, highlighting the need for stronger support systems.
Adding to the issue, several government departments in Jammu and Kashmir have not complied with directives to establish Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to address workplace sexual harassment, despite the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. This law mandates the formation of ICCs in organizations or institutions with ten or more female employees to provide a safe and respectful work environment.
A woman professor in Srinagar emphasized the dire need for such committees, recounting how a colleague faced harassment but had no platform to seek justice due to the absence of an ICC. “Without these mechanisms, many incidents go unreported, leaving victims to suffer in silence,” she said.
A female doctor in the region expressed concern about the lack of workplace security for women. “Advocacy for women’s rights often fades after incidents occur. If workplaces aren’t safe, how can women feel secure in their homeland?” she asked.
An employee in a government department spoke about the systemic nature of harassment, with individuals in power exploiting women in vulnerable positions.
Experts and activists argue that addressing these issues requires strict implementation of laws, sensitization programs, and robust accountability mechanisms. Strengthening ICCs and creating awareness about women’s rights are vital steps toward ensuring safety and dignity for women across Jammu and Kashmir.