India’s women still unsafe - 4.5 lakh crimes in 2023 highlight systemic failures

India reported 4.5 lakh crimes against women in 2023, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), marking a slight increase from previous years. The persistent challenge of gender-based violence has prompted the implementation of specialized policing units, legal reforms, and public safety programs across states.

The NCRB data highlights that Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of cases at 66,381, followed by Maharashtra with 47,101 cases, Rajasthan at 45,450, and West Bengal at 34,691. In terms of crime rate per lakh female population, Telangana leads with 124.9, ahead of Rajasthan, Odisha, and Haryana. Most reported crimes include cruelty by husband or relatives, kidnapping and abduction, assault with intent to outrage modesty, and rape. Domestic violence continues to be a major concern. Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), NCRB reported 133,676 cases of cruelty by husband or relatives in 2023. Marital rape, however, remains un criminalized under Exception 2 of Section 375 IPC, leaving many victims without legal recourse.

States have launched targeted initiatives to address these challenges. In Telangana, SHE Teams, established in 2014, operate statewide with over 300 teams handling more than 66,000 petitions since inception, including 3,516 harassment cases in Hyderabad alone by 2017. Studies suggest these teams have reduced severe sexual harassment by 27 percent and lowered instances of women relocating from harassment hotspots by 30 percent. The teams utilize technology such as WhatsApp helplines, the Hawk Eye app, and QR codes in public spaces to enhance their effectiveness. In Uttar Pradesh, Mission Shakti engages over 1.5 lakh women across 403 constituencies to promote empowerment through education and sports, while AI-enabled surveillance cameras monitor 250 locations in Lucknow, coordinating with pink patrol units for real-time interventions. Kerala has established a Victim Identification Task Force to enhance technical and psychological responses to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) cases, and Maharashtra’s Mahila Mangal Dals mobilize over 52,000 women across 57,695 gram panchayats to spread awareness about health, de-addiction, and women’s rights.

Globally, countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and Sweden criminalize marital rape, maintain integrated support systems, and operate dedicated policing units. The European Union Directive on Combating Violence Against Women and the UN Spotlight Initiative provide frameworks for victim protection and prevention strategies. Compared to these global measures, India has made notable progress through initiatives like SHE Teams, Mission Shakti, legal reforms, and public awareness campaigns. Legal measures complement these state-level interventions. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) requires organizations with ten or more employees to establish Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) to address workplace harassment. However, gaps remain, particularly regarding the criminalization of marital rape and uniform enforcement across the country.

While state-level interventions demonstrate measurable success, experts emphasize the need for a coordinated national strategy, adoption of international best practices, and continuous evaluation of programs. Strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing reporting mechanisms, and leveraging technology can help India move closer to ensuring the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women nationwide.