Crime Against Women in India

Crime against women is a serious social and legal issue. Women may face sexual harassment, rape, domestic violence, dowry-related harassment, stalking, assault, trafficking, acid attacks, cyber harassment, and other forms of abuse.

India has a number of laws designed to protect women and provide legal remedies. Since 1 July 2024, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 has been in force and contains a dedicated chapter dealing with offences against women and children.

What Are Crimes Against Women?

Crimes against women can include:

• Rape and other sexual offences

• Sexual harassment

• Assault or use of criminal force

• Stalking

• Voyeurism

• Acid attacks

• Dowry-related offences

• Cruelty by a husband or his relatives

• Domestic violence

• Kidnapping or abduction

• Human trafficking

• Cyber harassment and exploitation

The exact offence and applicable law depend on the circumstances of each case.

Important Provisions Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

The BNS contains several specific provisions concerning women. These include Section 63 (rape), Section 64 (punishment for rape), Section 74 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage a woman’s modesty), Section 75 (sexual harassment), Section 76 (assault with intent to disrobe), Section 77 (voyeurism), Section 78 (stalking), and Section 80 (dowry death).

The BNS also contains provisions concerning cruelty by a husband or his relatives, causing miscarriage without a woman’s consent, trafficking, and other offences affecting women.

Protection From Domestic Violence

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides protection against physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and economic abuse in circumstances covered by the Act. It also addresses unlawful dowry-related harassment.

Depending on the circumstances, a woman may seek remedies such as protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, custody orders, and compensation.

What Should a Woman Do If She Becomes a Victim?

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

If there is an immediate threat, move to a safe place and seek assistance from trusted people or the appropriate authorities.

2. Report the Offence

Depending on the nature of the offence, a woman may approach the police, the appropriate investigating authority, a court, or another legally recognised complaint mechanism.

3. Preserve Evidence

Keep relevant evidence safely, including:

• Messages and emails

• Photographs and videos

• Medical records

• Call details

• Financial records

• Social-media communications

• CCTV information

• Names of witnesses

• Relevant documents

Never fabricate or alter evidence.

4. Seek Medical Assistance

Where the incident involves physical or sexual violence, timely medical attention can be important for treatment, documentation, and appropriate support.

5. Seek Legal Assistance

A qualified lawyer can explain the applicable law, reporting procedure, available remedies, and court process. Women who qualify may also seek assistance through legal-aid services.

What Precautions Should Women Take?

• Keep important documents and evidence secure.

• Do not delete threatening or abusive messages.

• Avoid confronting a dangerous person alone.

• Do not agree to a legal settlement without understanding its consequences.

• Keep copies of complaints and important legal documents.

• Do not share sensitive personal information publicly.

• Be cautious when communicating with unknown people online.

• Seek assistance when harassment or threats begin rather than waiting for the situation to escalate.

Importance of Awareness

Legal awareness can help women recognise abusive behaviour and understand that they have lawful avenues for protection and redress. Families, schools, workplaces, communities, and public institutions also have an important role in preventing violence and supporting survivors.

The Government has stated that police and public order are State subjects, meaning State Governments have primary responsibility for maintaining law and order and investigating and prosecuting crimes against women.

Remember

Every woman has the right to live with dignity, safety, and equality.

If a woman experiences violence, harassment, abuse, or another crime, she should prioritise her safety, preserve genuine evidence, seek appropriate assistance, and use lawful channels for protection and justice.

Know your rights. Speak up safely. Preserve evidence. Seek help. Do not suffer in silence.

This article is intended for general public awareness and is not a substitute for case-specific legal advice. The applicable law and available remedies depend on the facts and circumstances of each case.