Gender Based Violence Against Women Poses a Threat to Women

Increase in Atrocities There has been a marked increase in the incidents of the atrocities against women over the past few years. Going by government statistics, the number of crimes against women registered under the Indian Penal Code has increased from 82,880 in 1994 to over 1,13,000 in 1998. Recently released figures from the National Crimes Research Bureau for the year 1998 show an 8.3% increase in registered crimes against women. In the years 1997, 1998, there were 13000 dowry deaths, and 13910 registered cases of rape. A most disturbing feature was the big increase in cases of molestation and sexual harassment to about 40000. Over 35% of cases of sexual assault are against minors. Young women who have rejected sexual advances made by men have been brutally victimized. Horrifying cases of their being murdered, on acid being thrown on them have been reported from many states. Thus the ferocity and extent of atrocities being committed on women is rising, and poses a grave challenge to society.
On behalf of ASWAS programme committee an open discussion on the topic Atrocities against women has been conducted on 22/01/2013 at 10.15am. Screening of the movie ‘Ozhimuri’ also has been done before the discussion. The programme has been conducted in the light of the Delhi rape case held. Mr.kochu Krishna Kurup (Lecturer, Dept of Social Work) and Ms. Veena Suresh were present. The moderator of discussion was Ms. Arathy Aravind.
The movie ‘Ozhimuri’ mainly focuses on women of three generations .In the first generation, family is mainly women centric that is ultimate decision making power was enjoyed by women. In the 2nd generation family is men centric and women didn’t have any voice at that time. The 3rd generation , women is more educated and empowered ; and were demanding equal power as well.
For the discussion the students were divided into 5 different groups and students were asked to discuss the issue in their group. Then an open discussion on the