India, as a diverse and evolving democracy, has made commendable progress in protecting the rights of women. However, crimes against women continue to remain a grave concern. These offences range from domestic violence, sexual harassment, acid attacks, and dowry deaths to trafficking and child marriage. The Indian legal framework has introduced specific laws and amendments to address these issues and ensure that women and children are given protection, justice, and dignity. This essay explores the various offences committed against women and the corresponding laws that combat these issues under Indian legislation.
1. Domestic Violence
One of the most prevalent forms of abuse in Indian households is domestic violence. It includes physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and economic abuse. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) is a civil law enacted to protect women from all forms of domestic abuse.
Under this Act, women can seek protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, and custody of children. This law empowers a woman to stay in her matrimonial home and not be forcibly evicted. It is a landmark step toward ensuring the safety of women within their homes.
2. Dowry Harassment and Dowry Deaths
Dowry, though legally banned, still persists in many parts of India. Often, women are harassed, abused, or even killed over unmet dowry demands. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 criminalizes the giving and taking of dowry.
In addition, Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes the husband or his relatives for cruelty towards a woman for dowry. Section 304B IPC deals with dowry deaths, prescribing stringent punishment if a woman dies under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage, and it’s proven that she was harassed for dowry before her death.
3. Sexual Harassment at Workplace
Women often face unwanted advances, lewd comments, or inappropriate behavior at their workplace. To counter this, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 was enacted.
This law mandates the formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) in all workplaces and ensures that any woman who faces harassment can report the incident and receive fair inquiry and redressal. The Act stems from the landmark Vishakha Guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in 1997.
4. Acid Attacks
Acid attacks are a gruesome form of violence often targeted at women as revenge for rejection, jealousy, or other personal disputes. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 introduced Section 326A and 326B IPC to specifically punish acid attacks with imprisonment up to 10 years or even life.
Additionally, the sale of acid is now regulated to prevent easy access. The law also ensures compensation and medical care for survivors under the Victim Compensation Scheme.
5. Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape is one of the most heinous crimes committed against women. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, passed after the Nirbhaya case, expanded the definition of sexual offences under Section 375 and 376 IPC.
The law now includes offences like penetrative and non-penetrative sexual assault, stalking, voyeurism, and sexual harassment. The punishment ranges from a minimum of 7 years to life imprisonment or even the death penalty in aggravated cases like rape of minors under Section 376AB IPC.
6. Child Marriage and Protection of Girl Children
Child marriage disproportionately affects girls, robbing them of their childhood, education, and health. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 criminalizes marriage below the legal age (18 years for girls, 21 for boys). Such marriages are voidable, and individuals involved, including the priest and parents, can be punished.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012 is another powerful law that protects minors from sexual abuse. The law covers a wide range of offences and mandates child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial.
7. Human Trafficking and Forced Prostitution
Women and girls are frequently trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation, labor, or forced marriage. The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) targets trafficking and punishes those involved in running or facilitating brothels and exploiting women.
Section 370 IPC further broadens the scope of punishment for trafficking, especially when it involves children. India is also a signatory to various international conventions to combat human trafficking.
8. Cyber Crimes and Online Harassment
With the rise of digital platforms, cybercrimes against women—such as revenge porn, morphing images, online stalking, and abusive messages—are on the rise. The Information Technology Act, 2000, specifically Section 66E, 67, and 67A, penalizes the publishing or transmitting of obscene material in electronic form.
Women can report such crimes to the Cyber Crime Cell or even file FIRs under IPC sections if the crime involves elements of physical threats or harassment.
9. Abetment to Suicide
When a woman is pushed to the brink due to dowry, domestic abuse, or other forms of harassment, it may result in suicide. The IPC Section 306 deals with abetment of suicide, and if proven that the woman was forced to take such a step due to cruelty or torture, the accused can face imprisonment.
10. Constitutional Provisions for Women and Children
India’s Constitution provides a strong backbone for gender equality and child welfare. Key provisions include:
- Article 14 – Equality before the law
- Article 15(3) – Special provisions for women and children
- Article 21 – Right to life with dignity
- Article 39 – Directive Principles encouraging equal pay and protection of childhood
Mnemonic to Remember Offences Against Women – “DR SAFE CRAWL”
Here’s a simple mnemonic to recall the main offences:
D – Domestic Violence
R – Rape and Sexual Assault
S – Sexual Harassment at Workplace
A – Acid Attacks
F – Forced Prostitution and Trafficking
E – Eve-Teasing (includes stalking and voyeurism)
C – Child Marriage and Child Sexual Abuse
R – Revenge Porn and Cyber Crime
A – Abetment to Suicide
W – Women Harassment for Dowry
L – Laws Under Constitution
Use this “DR SAFE CRAWL” mnemonic to easily recall the broad categories of crimes committed against women and their legal remedies.
Conclusion
Offences against women are not just violations of individual rights—they are a threat to the soul of our society. Laws alone cannot eliminate these crimes, but they act as strong deterrents when implemented effectively. Awareness, education, and empowerment of women and children are equally vital. With a solid legal framework in place, it is essential that we, as citizens, stay informed and act responsibly to build a safer and more just society for all.
