‘Eve-teasing’, ‘dowry’, `domestic violence’: J&K women helpline received over 1 lakh distress calls in 8 years

Srinagar: Women Helpline has received more than one lakh distress calls in Jammu and Kashmir in the last eight years.

Data accessed by The Kashmir Monitor reveal that a total of 126457 calls have been received on 181 helpline. Most of the calls relate to domestic violence, dowry, abuse, and harassment.

In 2013, the government launched 181 for all states to help women in distress.

Documents reveal that a majority of the calls were regarding domestic violence followed by eve teasing and other crimes against women.

“Most calls relate to domestic violence, dowry, and abuses. When it comes to dowry cases, the caller is put in touch with local police which immediately take action,” officials said.

As per the figures, Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed a surge of 10 percent in crime against women in the last year.

Data reveal that In 2021, 3873 crimes against women were reported. In 2020. the number was 3517.

A total of 326 rape cases were registered last year. There were 963 abduction cases registered by police in 2021. Similarly, 1849 molestation cases were registered in 2021.

In the last year, there has been an increase of more than 44 percent in the deaths due to the dowry in the union territory.

At least 16 married women lost their lives after dowry demands in 2021. In 2020, nine such cases had been reported.

Cruelty by husbands increased by more than 30 percent in the last year.

A senior police officer said that distressed females also approach women police stations for help.

“We have women police stations which are authorized to register and probe all cases of offences against women. Women cops seal with each case as per the law,” he said.