12000 cases of crime against women reported in 3 years
Srinagar April 2: Over the past three years, Jammu and Kashmir has reported around 12,000 incidents of crimes against women.
According to official data over 3,900 crimes against women were registered in 2021. Similarly, 3,800 cases were registered in 2022, and around 4,100 cases have been reported in 2023. These cases include offences such as modesty of women, rape, cruelty by the husband or his relatives, abductions of women, and kidnappings.
A woman professor from Srinagar emphasized the necessity for committees in every college in Jammu and Kashmir. She recounted an incident where a colleague faced harassment without recourse due to the absence of a sexual harassment committee, highlighting that such cases often go unreported in the valley.
Expressing concerns about the lack of workplace security for women in the region, a female doctor noted that advocacy for women’s rights often fades after incidents. She questioned how women can feel safe in their native land if workplaces are not secure.
An employee in a government department highlighted the prevalence of institutionalized harassment within the system, where individuals in positions of power take undue advantage of women.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, mandates the formation of ICCs in institutions or organizations with ten or more women employees. The act defines sexual harassment and outlines strict penalties for the guilty, emphasizing the importance of a safe and respectful workplace environment.
