Kozhikode: In what appears to be a shocking revelation, offenders in 96 percent of the rape cases reported in India in the year 2020 were close family members, relatives, neighbours or friends of victims, according to the report of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). In just four percent cases, women were raped by strangers or unknown persons.
A total of 2,364 rapes were committed by family members and 10,189 were committed by friends/online friends or live-in partners on the pretext of marriage or separated husband. Whereas, 12,989 offences were committed by family friends/neighbours/employer or other known persons.
When it comes to Kerala, 628 out of the 637 rape cases were committed by people in the close circle of the victim. Just nine crimes were committed by strangers.
In fifty-five cases, family members were the offenders and in 290 cases friends/online friends or live-in partners on the pretext of marriage or separated husband were the offenders. In 283 cases culprits were family friends/neighbours/employer or other known persons.
However, the State of Kerala has shown a declining trend in crime against women. In the year 2018, 13,643 crimes were reported against women and it rose to 14, 293 in 2019. The year 2020 reported 12,659 crimes.
The crimes against women included rape, molestation, kidnapping and abduction, eve teasing, dowry death, cruelty by husband/relatives etc.
When contacted, Kerala Women’s Commission Member, Dr. Shahida Kamal, said making the public aware of gender equality is very crucial. “Sexual atrocities are social evil and public must up in arms against it. Even in Pocso cases, the situation is similar. Offenders are in the close circle of the victim, it could be school, tuition centre or home. The arrival of social media and mobile phones has made things even easier for the criminals. When we take a look at the victims in all the cases, we can understand the fact that they were mostly from broken families. They craved love and care and their emotional weaknesses were exploited by criminals. Awareness is the only remedy. Sexual education should be a part of curriculum as both men and women must be equally aware,” said Shahida Kamal.
Published: 23 Sept 2021, 04:56 am IST
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