The annual data on crime in the country released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), shows a dismal picture of women safety in our country.

According to the “Crime in India 2016- Statistics“, cases of crime against women have reported an increase of 2.9% from 2015 to 2016. 

But the most frightening fact is that a majority of these crimes, 32.6% to be exact, were reported to be committed by the husband or his relatives. This was followed by ‘Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty’ (25%), ‘Kidnapping & Abduction of Women’ (19.0%) and ‘Rape’ (11.5%).

Rape cases have also reportedly increased. As compared to the 34,651 cases in 2015, 38,947 cases of rape were reported in 2016, an increase of 12.4 %.

Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh reported the highest incidence of rape, with 4,882 and 4,816 rape cases, respectively. 

Unsurprisingly, Delhi reported the highest crime rate (160.4) compared to the national average rate of 55.2.

The numbers are dismal and just go on to prove how much we need to work towards making the country a safer place for women.