Dowry, sexual abuse, physical violence against women on rise in J-K

SRINAGAR — A recent report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has revealed a sharp and concerning rise in crimes against women in J&K, sparking urgent calls for enhanced protective measures and policy interventions.

The NCRB report shows a 15.62% increase in crimes against women in J&K from 2020 to 2021, indicating a disturbing upward trend in incidents such as domestic violence, dowry-related offences and sexual abuse. These findings are compiled by J&K’s Planning Development and Monitoring Department, which highlights escalating cases across several forms of gender-based violence.

According to the report, dowry abuse has gradually risen in J&K, with cases per one lakh population increasing from 0.12 in 2015 to 0.17 in 2020. Although the current figures are below the national average of 2.17%, the sustained increase underscores a growing challenge.

Shazia Jan, a researcher in Gender Studies at the University of Kashmir, warns that “while the absolute numbers remain lower than the national value, the steady rise is a cause of worry and should not be ignored.”

The report further reveals that the percentage of ever-married women aged 15-49 experiencing physical or sexual violence by their husbands increased from 9.30% in 2015-16 to 11.20% in 2020-21. Instances of sexual violence against women per lakh population also rose significantly, from 31.20% in 2015 to 35.70% in 2020, surpassing the national rate of 26.70% for the same year.

In response to the growing issue, the J&K Government has initiated the establishment of women-only police stations across the Union Territory.

Another alarming trend highlighted in the report is the rise in trafficking cases. In 2020, girl children made up 50% of all trafficking victims—a significant increase from zero cases reported in both 2018 and 2019. Experts suggest this uptick indicates a pressing need for more focused anti-trafficking efforts in J&K.

The report also details cases of cruelty or physical violence by husbands or relatives, which increased from 5.30% in 2015 to 5.50% in 2020. This rise further underscores the need for both preventive and responsive measures to protect women within their homes.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, the J&K Government has identified ending all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spaces—including trafficking and exploitation—as a key target for 2030.

However, achieving this objective will require significant, sustained investment in resources, education and social infrastructure to foster a safer environment for women across the region.