The women activists have raised concern regarding the increasing number of crime reported against women in the city. The majority of them are of the opinion that enforcement activities are far from satisfactory.
According to veteran journalist Leela Menon, women have been the victims of violence all through the ages,it is not a new phenomenon.“Women have to bear physical, emotional and mental torture in their homes and in public places. Unlike in other states, Kerala has witnessed the most number domestic violence cases in recent times. These days even kids below the age of 10 are being abused by their own parents, teachers and relatives. Of the total of 1416 rape cases reported across the state in the last three months, 400 deal with kids below 10 years,” she said.
She said that women are treated as commodities, not as a mother or sister. Unlike in the past there is a change in the attitude of people as many have begun to raise their voice against atrocities meted out to women. People are also proceeding with legal action when such cases are reported. The government must ensure that the culprits do not escape through the loopholes of law.
Rosakutty, Chairperson, State Women’s Commission, also said that domestic violence was the major issue these days. Several young girls fall in the traps laid by men. “The situation is so bad that women cannot walk freely on the streets. Enforcement activities by various agencies are not enough to ensure protection to women and children,” she said.
Manju, a young women working in a private firm in the city who returns home late in the night after work says that women are treated badly at bus stops and on the street.“ People make abusive remarks when I travel late in the night after work,” she said.