Johnson & Johnson faces wave of violence against women

Srinagar, November 29: Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a disturbing rise in crimes against women, with around 12,000 cases reported in the past three years. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that 3,900 cases were registered in 2021, 3,800 cases in 2022 and about 4,100 cases in 2023. These crimes include indecent assault, rape, domestic violence and kidnapping, illustrating a deeply disturbing trend of violence against women in the country. Public and private spheres.
While these figures are shocking, experts say the actual number of crimes is likely much higher because many victims remain silent due to social pressure and stigma.
Gulshan Ara, a police officer at the Women’s Police Station, stressed that social pressure often prevents women from reporting crimes. “Women are reluctant to come forward for fear of reprisal, social ostracism or shame,” she said. “This stigma must be addressed so that victims can safely report their experiences.”
Women’s rights activist Syed Afaq echoed the sentiment, noting that reported statistics only reflect a small part of the problem. “These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg,” he explained. “Many cases go unreported due to widespread social stigma that keeps women silent.”
The stories of many women reveal the harsh realities of living in abusive situations. One woman, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her experience of being trapped in an abusive marriage for years. “I feared for my life every day but didn’t know where to turn,” she said. “Even when I tried to ask for help, I was met with judgment rather than support.” She added that many women in similar situations felt they had no choice. “If there had been a safe place for me to go and someone to listen without making me feel guilty, I might have escaped sooner.”
Another woman, a victim of dowry-related violence, described how her husband continued to demand more dowry and threatened to divorce her parents if they did not comply. “I felt like I was just a commodity,” she said. “The pressure to comply is enormous.”
A third woman who was severely abused by her in-laws has explained why she was afraid to report the incident. “I knew the system was not going to protect me. I stayed silent for months out of fear of being blamed,” she recalls. “But there was no support and it made me feel invisible.”
Reluctance to report crime is further exacerbated by systemic failures, particularly the lack of effective support systems in the workplace. Despite government regulations, many institutions have failed to establish internal complaints committees (ICCs) to address sexual harassment, undermining efforts to provide a safe environment for women.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 requires any establishment with 10 or more female employees to set up an ICC. However, several government offices in J&K are not adhering to the rules, leaving women vulnerable to harassment.
One woman, who chose to remain anonymous, described her experience of being harassed in the workplace. “I was on the receiving end of inappropriate comments multiple times from my superiors and I felt trapped,” she said. “I didn’t know where to turn for help. A place I once thought was professional and safe became a source of constant fear and anxiety.”
Counselors who work with survivors of violence emphasize the importance of a holistic support system. Dr. Masala, a trauma counselor, explains that the psychological trauma faced by victims is often compounded by a lack of resources and support. “Victims often feel isolated, which makes it harder for them to seek help,” she said. “Healing requires legal and psychological support. Victims must be given the tools to rebuild their lives.”
In response to the growing crisis, the J&K government has launched several initiatives, including women’s help desks at police stations, law enforcement training programs and public awareness campaigns on gender-based violence. There are also plans to set up women-only police stations in federal territories.
The J&K government is also committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030. This includes addressing violence, trafficking and exploitation in public and private spaces.
However, victims and activists continue to call for stronger action, urging that cases involving violence against women be dealt with quickly and that protective laws are effectively implemented.