Gender-Based Violence in India

Context: In India, although over half of the 642 million eligible voters are women, women’s safety issues receive little attention from political candidates, highlighting a significant discrepancy.

Current Situation:

  • Daily, approximately 90 rape cases are reported, nearly half of the women experience domestic violence, and two-thirds of Dalit women face sexual violence.
  • 77% of women do not report the violence against them, and only 1% of women seek divorce.
  • 39% of officers consider complaints of gender-based violence to be unfounded.

Challenges:

  • Institutional Violence: Survivors often endure additional trauma starting from the reporting process.
  • Barriers in Rural Areas: Panchayats dominated by males and upper-castes pose challenges for women pursuing justice.
  • Case Backlog: India faces a backlog of 40 million court cases, disproportionately affecting survivors of violence.
  • Ineffective Implementation: Despite having strong domestic violence laws, implementation is hindered by outdated methods and ineffective officials, including a harsh police system and protracted judicial processes.
  • Lack of Data: Limited data due to underreporting and silence impedes a comprehensive understanding and access to justice.

Way Forward:

  • Training Initiatives: Implement survivor-focused training for police and judicial officials, taking cues from organizations like Vanangna, a women’s rights collective in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Institutional Reforms: Reform justice institutions to be trauma-informed and healing-centered.
  • Data Collection: Collect and disseminate more data and personal accounts to grasp the issue’s magnitude.
  • Policy Development: Formulate national policies that prioritize the experiences of survivors, especially from marginalized communities, to build a fair and just system.
  • Criminal Law Update: Revise criminal procedures with gender-sensitive training and evaluation measures.
  • Political Advocacy: Encourage voters and politicians to champion change, ensuring survivors can pursue justice without fear, similar to the national campaign success for girls’ education.

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