‘More cases a result of better awareness, police response’

MUMBAI: The cases registered under crimes against women in the city have seen a considerable surge from last year, reveals Mumbai Police statistics (See graphic). But experts said the surge can be witnessed because more women are now registering cases than before. They attributed the rise in registration to the increase in awareness among women on laws as well as the declining worry about social stigma revolving around such cases.

Audrey D’mello, is an advocate and the director of Majlis Legal Centre, which fights for women’s rights. She said, “The reason for the rise in the cases is the free and fair registration of first information reports (FIR). Nowadays, women are bold when it comes to reporting crimes against them. They are more aware about laws and want to deal with the cases. They do not look it as something shameful but a crime that needs to be recorded.” D’mello added that police needs to grasp this opportunity and ensure women get justice without delay.

Vijaya Rahatkar, the chairperson of Maharashtra State Commission for Women, too, attributed the same reasons for the rise in registration of cases.

Rahatkar said, “Apart from the criminal justice system, it is also the responsibility of the society to come out in full support of women who have been victims of any crime.”

Vijay Raghavan, professor, Centre for Criminology and Justice, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, said that women have become more assertive in reporting the crimes. “The social stigma faced by victims is gradually being countered by changing attitudes, increasing empowerment of women and media campaigns. Women are also getting better response from the police.”