SRINAGAR, Nov 29: Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a disturbing rise in crimes against women, with approximately 12,000 cases reported over the past three years. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reveals that 3,900 cases were registered in 2021, 3,800 in 2022, and around 4,100 in 2023. These crimes include molestation, rape, domestic violence, and abduction, indicating a deeply troubling trend of violence against women in both public and private spheres.
Despite these alarming figures, experts suggest that the actual number of crimes is likely much higher, as many victims remain silent due to societal pressures and stigma.
Gulshan Ara, an officer at the Women’s Police Station, highlighted that societal pressures often prevent women from reporting crimes. “Women are hesitant to come forward due to the fear of retaliation, social exclusion, or shame,” she said. “This stigma must be addressed so that victims feel safe to report their experiences.”
Women’s rights activist Syed Afaq echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the reported statistics reflect only a fraction of the problem. “The numbers are just the tip of the iceberg,” he explained. “Many cases go unreported because of pervasive social stigma that silences women.”
The stories of many women reveal the grim reality of living in abusive situations. One woman, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her experience of being trapped in an abusive marriage for years. “I feared for my life every day but never knew where to turn,” she said. “Even when I tried to reach out for help, I was met with judgment rather than support.” She added that many women in similar situations feel they have no options. “If there had been a safe place for me to go, someone to listen without making me feel guilty, I might have escaped sooner.”
Another woman, a victim of dowry-related violence, described how her husband continued to demand more dowry, threatening divorce if her parents did not comply. “I felt like I was nothing more than a commodity,” she said. “The pressure to comply was overwhelming.”
A third woman, who endured severe abuse from her in-laws, explained her fear of reporting the incident. “I knew the system wouldn’t protect me. The fear of being blamed kept me silent for months,” she recalled. “But there was no support, and that made me feel invisible.”
The reluctance to report crimes is further exacerbated by systemic failures, particularly the lack of effective support systems in the workplace. Despite government mandates, many institutions have failed to establish Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to address sexual harassment, undermining efforts to provide a safe environment for women.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 requires any institution with ten or more female employees to set up an ICC. However, several government offices in J&K have not complied, leaving women vulnerable to harassment.
One woman, who chose to remain anonymous, described her experience of workplace harassment. “I was repeatedly subjected to inappropriate comments by my superior, and I felt trapped,” she said. “I didn’t know where to seek help. A place I once thought of as professional and safe turned into a source of constant fear and anxiety.”
Counselors working with survivors of violence emphasise the importance of a holistic support system. Dr. Masarat, a trauma counselor, explained that the psychological trauma victims face is often compounded by a lack of resources and support. “Victims often feel isolated, which makes it harder for them to seek help,” she said. “Healing requires both legal and psychological support. Victims must be provided with the tools to rebuild their lives.”
In response to the growing crisis, the J&K government has introduced several initiatives, including women’s help desks at police stations, law enforcement training programs, and public awareness campaigns about gender-based violence. Additionally, plans are in place to establish women-only police stations across the Union Territory.
The J&K government has also committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of ending all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030. This includes addressing violence in both public and private spaces, trafficking, and exploitation.
However, victims and activists continue to call for stronger action, urging the fast-tracking of cases involving violence against women and ensuring the effective implementation of protective laws.
