Worsening Violence Against Women and Girls in India: A National Crisis

India's alarming record on gender-based violence continues to make headlines, with frequent reports of abuse, harassment, and exploitation of women and minors. The latest incidents of sexual violence in Tripura, where five individuals were arrested for the abduction and gangrape of a minor girl, are symptomatic of a broader, growing crisis across the nation. These events are part of an ongoing trend that sees thousands of women and children subjected to violence, often without adequate protection or justice.

On December 13, 2024, a minor girl in South Tripura was abducted by two men, who took her to a remote rubber plantation where three others joined in the assault. The police report confirmed the abduction and gangrape, noting that the perpetrators were later arrested but not without delays, as defense lawyers attempted to claim that some of the accused were minors. This incident is not isolated; it follows a disturbing pattern of child abuse and harassment across various districts of the country.

India's lack of sufficient legal safeguards and the weak enforcement of laws related to sexual violence are key contributors to the ongoing victimization of women and children. Legal experts and human rights organizations continue to highlight the failure of India's judicial and police systems to effectively prosecute those accused of such crimes. Despite the existence of laws like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the consistent occurrence of these heinous crimes underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform.

Moreover, the issue is compounded by India's social and cultural attitudes towards women, where patriarchal norms often prioritize male dominance and disregard women's rights. From overcrowded police stations to underfunded crisis support systems, the lack of adequate infrastructure to protect women is undeniable.