The national capital is the most unsafe of 35 cities in the country in terms of violence against women, a report by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) has revealed.
In 2005, Delhi reported 3,850 cases of violence against women, including 654 cases of rape and 197 cases of sexual harassment, which amounted to over 18 percent of total crime against women in the country.
"Though the graph is an indication of increasing cases of crime against women it also suggests that women in the capital are more aware of their rights and do not fret coming out against wrong being done to them," said Kiran Walia, chairperson Delhi Commission of Women (DCW).
The report also found that Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai have recorded a high number of cases of crime against women.
Walia said the graph was increasing because thousands of people come to Delhi everyday, mostly unemployed youth, who also commit crime.
"Crimes committed by the floating population of Delhi also add to the records."
She said the study has found that over 70 percent of the people report cases after being inspired by others who have also reported similar incidents.
"More awareness has helped women come forward to speak for their rights."
She said women were silently suffering earlier but due to presence of media and sensitisation of police, they are now coming forward to speak against all types of crime.
Deependra Pathak, additional commissioner of police, said they would also go through the findings made by the NCRB and corrective steps would be taken to stop this menace.
"We would like to study the data carefully and discuss the issues so that corrective steps could be taken," said Pathak.
THE WEEK
In 2005, Delhi reported 3,850 cases of violence against women, including 654 cases of rape and 197 cases of sexual harassment, which amounted to over 18 percent of total crime against women in the country.
"Though the graph is an indication of increasing cases of crime against women it also suggests that women in the capital are more aware of their rights and do not fret coming out against wrong being done to them," said Kiran Walia, chairperson Delhi Commission of Women (DCW).
The report also found that Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai have recorded a high number of cases of crime against women.
Walia said the graph was increasing because thousands of people come to Delhi everyday, mostly unemployed youth, who also commit crime.
"Crimes committed by the floating population of Delhi also add to the records."
She said the study has found that over 70 percent of the people report cases after being inspired by others who have also reported similar incidents.
"More awareness has helped women come forward to speak for their rights."
She said women were silently suffering earlier but due to presence of media and sensitisation of police, they are now coming forward to speak against all types of crime.
Deependra Pathak, additional commissioner of police, said they would also go through the findings made by the NCRB and corrective steps would be taken to stop this menace.
"We would like to study the data carefully and discuss the issues so that corrective steps could be taken," said Pathak.
THE WEEK
