New Delhi: One in three Indian women between the ages 15 and 49 have experienced physical violence. One in ten has experienced sexual violence. These are the dismal findings from the latest National Family Health Survey.
Deepa Dasmunshi, Indian National Congress candidate from Raiganj said, "Women atrocities are increasing rapidly. Figures higher in rural areas than in cities."
According to the third National Family Health Survey nearly two in five (37 per cent) married women experience physical or sexual violence by their husband.
Seven per cent of them suffer serious injuries. Sexual violence is higher among the poor at 49 per cent as compared to 18 per cent amongst the rich.
Sixteen per cent of never married women experience physical violence by a parent, sibling, or a teacher. Only one per cent of them report sexual abuse and in 27 per cent cases the abuser was a relative.
Statewise, Bihar is the worst offender at 59 per cent, followed by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (46 per cent) and then Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam (more than 40 per cent) .
The Domestic Violence Act of 2005 provides for protection officers in every state.
Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath said, "Protection Officers have been appointed in every state. More than 6000 officers in all states and some at district level as well, except in J&K which has its own act."
But clearly that is not enough. Only two per cent of abused women, ever go to the police for help.