Sexual violence is a deplorable crime and to eliminate it from society, mindsets have to be changed from a young age. Such crimes are more common in a patriarchal society, and this bias towards men needs to be changed to eliminate the crime in its totality.
Some suggestions for creating a safer environment for woman are mentioned below:
- Conduct campaigns that create awareness about sexual violence, highlighting important information such as women’s rights etc.
- Hold self-defence classes for women so that they may protect themselves
- Increase number of women active in the police force
- Increase rates of successful prosecution of perpetrators of sexual crimes
- India must ratify all global and regional treaties which concerns safety women. It will increase pressure on government to take this matter at utmost priority.
- Patrolling of streets and modes of public transportation at night by police forces including women personnel
- Police stations must be made gender sensitive.
- Specialized fast track courts should be set up to punish perpetuators and provide sense of closure to violence survivor women.
- Use of technology to protect women. Usage of applications on mobiles with which a woman can alert loved ones or the authorities directly if she was in danger.
- Women helplines should be made operational round the clock. New mechanisms like Himmat app of Delhi police is a welcome step.
- Women must be financially empowered by providing necessary education, skills as well as financial support for starting business.