General Studies Mains-2014 Paper-4 (Ethics and Integrity) Answer : Q-8

We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.

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 measures that could be taken are:-

• Increase rates of successful prosecution of perpetrators of sexual crimes
• Increase number of women active in the police force
• 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
• Patrolling of streets and modes of public transportation at night by police forces including women personnel
• 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.