Bengaluru Women's Safety Statistics

Bengaluru Grapples with Soaring Crimes Against Women

The year 2023 witnessed a disturbing surge of 23.9% in reported crimes against women in Bengaluru compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Bengaluru Police Crime Branch (CCRB). The alarming statistics revealed 3,260 reported cases of crimes against women, with molestation and dowry-related offenses being the most prevalent. Among the reported cases were 1,135 incidents of molestation, 1,007 cases of dowry-related crimes (including 25 deaths), 696 cases of cruelty by husbands, 176 cases of rape, and 60 cases of insulting modesty.

The data also unveiled a shocking 61% increase in crimes against women compared to 2021, prompting concerns about the safety of women in densely populated urban areas. This rise has raised questions about the effectiveness of measures taken to address women’s safety in the city.

Women Migrants Express Concerns While Bengaluru continues to attract a growing population of women migrating for career opportunities, the surge in crimes against women has left many feeling uncertain about their safety. Avanti Gupta, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Bihar who recently moved to Bengaluru, shared her unsettling experience of having to change residences due to a stalking incident.

Another woman, posting on the subreddit r/bangalore, highlighted her unsafe experiences, sparking debates and insensitive comments. Such instances underscore the challenges women face in expressing their grievances and the dismissive attitude they often encounter.

Marital Crime Cases on the Rise The surge in domestic violence cases adds another layer to the concerning scenario. Activist Brinda Adige noted that domestic violence complaints are not always treated seriously by the police, leading to a decline in the fear of committing such crimes. A woman who chose to remain anonymous shared her experience of separating from her abusive husband, emphasizing the prevalent issues faced by underprivileged women in the city.

Transportation Woes and Unheard Molestation Complaints Despite efforts by the government to address women’s safety, such as the implementation of the Shakti scheme offering free bus rides for women, there are reports of increased frustration among transportation workers, resulting in mistreatment of women passengers. Instances of molestation complaints going unheard in public transportation further contribute to women feeling more unsafe.

Key Insights from CCRB Report The CCRB report also revealed distressing details about rape cases, with a significant number involving promises of love and marriage. Additionally, the report highlighted a surge in crimes against children, indicating a 12.4% increase compared to the previous year.

In summary, the escalating crimes against women in Bengaluru emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address safety concerns and protect the well-being of women in the city.

_{Repurposed article originally published in ShethePeople}