Widespread Issue of Gender-Based Violence in India
India reports about 90 rapes daily, indicating a severe crisis of sexual violence.
Nearly 50% of women in India experience domestic abuse, including physical and emotional violence.
Two out of three Dalit women face sexual violence during their lifetime.
Few election candidates address women's safety, reflecting a lack of priority in political agendas.
Even with high female voter participation, there is insufficient demand for action on gender-based violence.
Institutional Challenges for Survivors
39% of police officers view gender-based violence complaints as often baseless, deterring reporting.
The slow and complex judicial process adds to survivors' trauma and discourages them from seeking justice.
In rural areas, male-dominated and upper-caste panchayats create additional barriers for women seeking justice.
Survivors face obstruction and hostility from law enforcement, with a survivor's complaint being mishandled.
Despite high rates of intimate partner violence, India has one of the lowest divorce rates, reflecting societal pressures to remain silent.
Approximately 77% of women do not disclose violence, even to close relatives, due to fear and stigma.
Way Forward
Implement trauma-informed approaches in the judicial and police systems to better support survivors.
Improve enforcement of existing domestic violence laws and address inefficiencies in the justice system.
Gather and publicly share more data on gender-based violence to understand and address the issue effectively.
Provide continuous training for law enforcement and judicial officials to ensure empathetic and informed handling of cases.
Encourage voters to demand action on gender-based violence and motivate politicians to prioritize effective reforms and support for survivors.
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