Crime Against Women (29 mins) | Lecture 507/751 | IAS (CSE) Mains GS Paper 1-4

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Social Justice (GS-2)Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of PopulationLaws

Crime against women arises as a direct result of violence against them. The issue of violence against women has been the most important issue of women՚s movement in India since 1974 - 75.

First it was the ever-increasing number of ‘dowry deaths’.

Then, from 1980, different rape cases foregrounded rape as a major issue. This was followed by the revival of the ancient custom of Sati.

The limelight next shifted to female infanticide as well as female foeticide.

Domestic violence, sexual harassment at work place are also forms of violence against women.

Views

A narrow view of crime and violence sees it merely an act of illegal, criminal use of physical force.

But a broader view includes exploitation, discrimination, upholding of unequal economic and social structures, the creation of an atmosphere of terror, threat or reprisal and all forms of religio-cultural and political violence.

Definition

United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”.

In India, women are guaranteed the rights to equality, freedom, opportunity and protection by the Constitution and several legislations.

Despite all this, they continue to be victims of various forms of violence because of the male dominated society, media representation of violence, the increasing crime in society as a result of poverty, illiteracy and ignorance, poor enforcement of legal provisions, increasing consumerism and traditional values.

Rape

Acid Throwing

Domestic violence

Dowry

Initiatives to Curb Gender Violence