Latest statistics on crimes against women and children in Kozhikode city offer little cause for cheer. Many citizens feel that the city is unfriendly to the fairer sex. In fact, cases of domestic violence against women and children as well as dowry cases are disturbingly high.
Out of 735 cases registered at various police stations last year, 184 are relating to rape, molestation, dowry and cruelty to women and children. The Nallalam police station recorded 28 cases involving cruelty to women and children. The Feroke, Beypore and Medical College police stations have a significant number of such cases. The Panniyankara police station alone recorded 12 dowry cases.
Statistics reveal that 19 cases of rape and 41 cases of molestation have been recorded at different police stations. "This number is only a miniscule as many of the cases go unreported. Women and girls are afraid to take the culprits to task. Even if they are willing to complain they are likely to get victimised," says V.P. Zuhara, social activist and president of NISA, a Kozhikode-based organisation working for the uplift of Muslim women.
She alleges that crimes against women are increasing in the city. If the police are stern in dealing with the perpetrators of the crime the number could be brought down to a great extent. "Usually women do not get justice from the department as well as government agencies. Mostly the accused go scot-free using money and muscle power," Ms. Zuhara says.
E.K. Vijayakumari, retired schoolteacher of Malabar Christian College Higher Secondary School, feels that the mindset of the youth should change. Women and girls are scared to travel alone after twilight. Youth follow women even when they are travelling in an autorickshaw or ride a moped. The victims do not respond out of a sense of shame, she says.
"One of the reasons for the immature reaction of our youth... is that society does not allow boys and girls to mingle together. This gender demarcation from childhood later results in such nuisances," Ms. Vijayakumari says.
Kozhikode city was once known for its hospitality. " It has become unsafe for women to go out in four-wheelers for shopping in the evening," says B. Rajani, lecturer in Zamorin's Guruvayurappan College.
The police should ensure that women are not disturbed during their outings on the Kozhikode beach and Mananchira Square. Incidents of eve-teasing and harassment at both the Kerala State Road Transport Station and Mofussil bus stations and on private buses plying in the city are not so uncommon, Ms. Rajani says.
Ms. Zuhara says that Government departments and social organisations need to constantly conduct awareness campaigns to educate women against crimes against women and children in public and against domestic violence. One such programme is being organised by NISA on International Women's Day on March 8.
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