Crimes against women: Up and rising

BHOPAL: There has been a consistent rise in the number of cases of crimes against women in Bhopal since the first local helpline was launched in 2010. From 399 complaints reported in 2010, the number has risen to 1,049 in 2012.
As compared to 2010, the number of complains increased by almost 80% in 2011 when 721 complaints were reported. However, only eight FIRs were lodged.
In most of the cases, the complaints are related to obscene text messages and similar messages on the Facebook; threat calls, stalking working women or college girls, violent assaults at public places and domestic violence and harassment by parents and neighbours.
Women help line in charge Bhupinder Singh Sandhu said, "I solve most of the complaints over phone and the FIR is lodged only in those cases which are not resolved. Often culprits continue harassing even after a warning."
She said that in most cases, the culprit and the victim are known to each other. "Many problems start after break up. Often break ups are followed by harassment. We tackle such situation very delicately," she said.
"Many students in the city come from outside. They live in paying guest accommodation and hostels. Yet, there is no one to impose restrictions on them. They feel free to do anything and live in the way they want often inculcating anti-social habits," she said.
Besides, there are increasing number of cases of teenagers and juveniles harassing older women who are into their 40's or 50's.
When asked about the reason behind such incidents, she said, "For them, it does not matter who is on the other side over the phone till it is a woman's voice." "Most of such phone calls are made under the influence of alcohol," she added.