1. Introduction
Violence against women is not merely a social problem—it is a grave violation of fundamental human rights, constitutional guarantees, and criminal law. Despite significant legal reforms, crimes against women remain among the most underreported offences worldwide. Fear of retaliation, social stigma, economic dependence, lack of legal awareness, and distrust of institutions often discourage survivors from approaching law enforcement.
Reporting an offence to the police is frequently the first formal step towards protection, justice, rehabilitation, and accountability. It creates an official record, enables criminal investigation, facilitates access to medical and forensic assistance, and allows victims to seek protection orders, compensation, counselling, and legal aid.
This article examines the principal crimes against women reported at police stations, the legal framework governing police response, victims’ rights during investigation, and the support mechanisms available after reporting.
2. Legal Framework Protecting Women
The protection of women is firmly rooted in both international human rights law and domestic criminal justice systems.
3. International Legal Instruments
The legal obligation of states to protect women is recognised under:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) – Articles 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), 1979
- United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (1993)
- Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)
- UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
These instruments require states to exercise due diligence in preventing violence, investigating complaints, prosecuting offenders, and protecting survivors.
4. Constitutional Protection
The Constitution of India guarantees equality and dignity through:
- Article 14 – Equality before law
- Article 15(3) – Permits special laws for women and children
- Article 21 – Right to life, dignity and personal liberty
- Article 39A – Equal access to justice and free legal aid
- Article 51A(e) – Fundamental duty to renounce practices derogatory to women’s dignity
The Supreme Court has consistently interpreted Article 21 to include the right to live with dignity, bodily integrity, privacy, and protection from violence.
5. Common Crimes Against Women
Police stations routinely receive complaints involving offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) and other special statutes.
These commonly include:
i. Domestic Violence
Domestic abuse extends beyond physical assault by the husband or his relatives and may include:
- Physical violence
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Economic deprivation
- Coercive control and intimidation
In India, victims may seek remedies under the:
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
- Relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Civil reliefs include:
- Protection Orders
- Residence Orders
- Monetary Relief
- Custody Orders
- Compensation Orders
ii. Sexual Offences
Police frequently investigate offences involving:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Attempt to rape
- Sexual harassment
- Assault with intent to outrage modesty
- Voyeurism
- Stalking
These offences require prompt registration, immediate medical assistance, forensic examination, and victim-sensitive investigation.
iii. Dowry-Related Offences
Dowry harassment remains a significant criminal offence in India.
Relevant laws include:
- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
- Relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Police investigate complaints involving:
- Cruelty by husband or relatives
- Dowry demands
- Dowry death
- Physical and mental harassment
iv. Cyber Crimes Against Women
The rapid growth of digital technology has increased online offences such as:
- Cyberstalking
- Revenge pornography
- Non-consensual circulation of intimate images
- Morphing
- Sending obscene messages
- Online blackmail
- Identity theft
- Fake social media profiles
- Sexual extortion (Sextortion)
Such offences may attract liability under:
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
v. Human Trafficking
Women are frequently trafficked for:
- Sexual exploitation
- Forced labour
- Forced marriage
- Domestic servitude
Trafficking offences attract severe punishment under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and specialised legislation.
vi. Acid Attacks
Acid attacks constitute one of the most brutal forms of gender-based violence.
Victims are entitled to:
- Immediate free medical treatment
- Compensation
- Criminal investigation
- Rehabilitation support
vii. Workplace Sexual Harassment
Complaints may arise from:
- Unwelcome physical contact
- Sexual advances
- Sexually coloured remarks
- Hostile work environment
- Demand for sexual favours
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, mandates internal committees for inquiry while criminal offences are investigated by the police.
6. Reporting the Crime at a Police Station
i. Immediate Safety
Where there is an imminent threat, the survivor should:
- Contact the emergency services (such as 112 in India)
- Leave the unsafe location where possible
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Inform trusted family members or friends
ii. Registration of FIR
Under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) (formerly Section 154 CrPC), all information relating to a cognisable offence must be recorded by the police.
Victims are entitled to:
- Registration of an FIR without unnecessary delay
- A free copy of the FIR
- The FIR number
- Name and designation of the Investigating Officer
Failure to register an FIR may amount to dereliction of statutory duty.
7. Zero FIR
The concept of Zero FIR enables any police station to register information relating to a cognisable offence irrespective of territorial jurisdiction. The FIR is subsequently transferred to the competent police station for investigation.
This principle was reinforced following recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee (2013) and subsequent criminal law reforms.
8. Statement by a Woman Police Officer
Where feasible, statements of women victims—particularly in sexual offence cases—should be recorded by a woman police officer or any woman officer in a secure and dignified environment.
Victims may request:
- Privacy
- Presence of a support person
- Interpreter where necessary
- Video recording where permitted by law
9. Medical Examination
Victims of sexual offences have the right to:
- Immediate medical treatment
- Free emergency healthcare
- Forensic examination with informed consent
- Collection and preservation of biological evidence
Importantly:
No hospital may refuse treatment merely because police formalities have not been completed.
11. Collection of Evidence
Victims should preserve:
- Clothing
- Digital communications
- Mobile phones
- CCTV footage
- Emails
- Social media messages
- Medical reports
- Photographs of injuries
- Witness details
Prompt preservation significantly strengthens prosecution.
12. If Police Refuse to Register the Complaint
If an FIR is not registered, the survivor may:
- Submit a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police under the BNSS.
- Approach the judicial magistrate seeking appropriate directions.
- File a complaint before the State Women’s Commission or National Commission for Women.
- Approach the High Court through appropriate legal proceedings in exceptional cases.
- Seek assistance from legal services authorities providing free legal aid.
The Supreme Court in Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh (2014) 2 SCC 1 held that registration of an FIR is mandatory where information discloses the commission of a cognisable offence, except in limited categories where a preliminary inquiry is legally permissible.
13. Police Responsibilities During Investigation
Police officers are expected to conduct investigations that are:
- Fair
- Prompt
- Professional
- Victim-centred
- Gender-sensitive
- Legally compliant
Their responsibilities include:
- Recording statements
- Visiting the crime scene
- Collecting forensic evidence
- Identifying witnesses
- Arresting accused where legally justified
- Protecting victims and witnesses
- Filing the Final Report/Charge Sheet before the court
14. Victim Rights After Reporting
Modern criminal justice systems increasingly recognise victims as participants rather than mere witnesses.
Victims are entitled to seek:
- Protection orders
- Compensation schemes
- Free legal aid
- Counselling
- Shelter homes
- Medical rehabilitation
- Psychological support
- Witness protection where necessary
Many states operate One Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres), offering integrated services including medical care, police facilitation, legal assistance, counselling, and temporary shelter.
15. Dealing with the Aftermath
Reporting the offence marks the beginning—not the end—of the recovery process.
Survivors should:
- Maintain regular communication with the Investigating Officer.
- Preserve all documentary evidence.
- Attend court proceedings when required.
- Seek trauma-informed counselling.
- Develop a personal safety plan.
- Inform trusted individuals about ongoing risks.
- Report any intimidation or threats immediately.
Children affected by domestic or sexual violence should also receive specialised psychological support.
16. Role of Society
Ending violence against women requires collective responsibility.
Governments must ensure:
- Gender-sensitive policing
- Continuous police training
- Prompt investigation
- Victim-friendly infrastructure
- Forensic capacity
- Speedy trials
- Effective witness protection
Communities must reject victim-blaming, encourage reporting, and support survivors with empathy and dignity.
17. Common Crimes Against Women Reported at Police Stations and Relevant Legal Provisions
| Sl. No. | Nature of Offence | Relevant Legal Provision(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Murder of a woman | BNS, 2023 – Section 103 (1) |
| 2 | Culpable homicide not amounting to murder | BNS – Section 105 |
| 3 | Hurt and grievous hurt | BNS – Sections 115–124 |
| 4 | Criminal intimidation | BNS – Section 351 |
| 5 | Wrongful restraint and wrongful confinement | BNS – Sections 126–127 |
| 6 | Kidnapping and abduction | BNS – Sections 137–142 |
| 7 | Human trafficking | BNS – Section 143 |
| 8 | Rape | BNS – Sections 64–71 |
| 9 | Gang rape | BNS – Section 70 |
| 10 | Sexual assault/sexual harassment | BNS – Section 75 |
| 11 | Assault or criminal force with intent to disrobe | BNS – Section 76 |
| 12 | Voyeurism | BNS – Section 77 |
| 13 | Stalking (including cyberstalking) | BNS – Section 78 (2) |
| 14 | Word, gesture or act insulting the modesty of a woman, etc. | BNS – Section 79 |
| 15 | Dowry death | BNS – Section 80 (2) |
| 16 | Cruelty by husband or relatives | BNS – Section 85 |
| 17 | Domestic violence | Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 |
| 18 | Dowry demand | Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (Sections 3 & 4) |
| 19 | Acid attack | BNS – Sections 124 |
| 20 | Outraging dignity through obscene electronic material | Information Technology Act, 2000 – Sections 66E, 67, 67A |
| 21 | Identity theft and online impersonation | Information Technology Act – Sections 66C & 66D |
| 22 | Cyber stalking and online harassment | Information Technology Act, 2000 (read with BNS Section 78) |
| 23 | Revenge pornography / Non-consensual sharing of intimate images | Information Technology Act – Sections 66E and 67A; BNS provisions where applicable |
| 24 | Workplace sexual harassment | Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 |
| 25 | Child sexual offences | Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 |
| 26 | Forced marriage or trafficking for marriage | In many police cases of women being “sold into marriage” or transported across states for forced marriage, investigators commonly invoke Section 143 BNS (Trafficking of Persons) along with Section 87 BNS (Kidnapping, abducting or inducing a woman to compel her marriage, etc.). |
| 27 | Insulting caste identity with gender-based abuse | Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (where applicable) |
| 28 | Attempt to commit offences | Section 62, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Do not use Section 62 where the BNS contains a specific attempt provision. |
18. Protection of Identity of Victim, Accused and Witness
The law mandates confidentiality not only for victims but also, in specific circumstances, for accused persons and other vulnerable participants in the criminal justice process. The identities of victims of sexual offences, child sexual abuse, human trafficking, acid attacks, domestic violence, workplace sexual harassment, cyber-enabled sexual offences, and honour-based violence must be protected to safeguard their dignity, privacy, and security.
Likewise, the identities of child victims, child witnesses, and children in need of care and protection are protected under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Importantly, the identity of a child accused (child in conflict with law) is also protected under Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, reflecting the rehabilitative philosophy of juvenile justice.
Further, under Section 16 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), the identities of both the complainant (victim) and the respondent (accused), as well as witnesses and details of the proceedings, must remain confidential. These statutory protections ensure that privacy, dignity, fairness, and the integrity of the justice process are preserved while preventing secondary victimisation, social stigma, retaliation, or undue prejudice.
19. Conclusion
Crimes against women are not private disputes; they are serious violations of constitutional rights, human dignity, and the rule of law. Every survivor has the right to be heard, protected, and treated with compassion throughout the criminal justice process. Effective policing, timely registration of complaints, professional investigation, and coordinated legal and social support are essential to securing justice.
Legal protections exist because society recognises that violence against women undermines equality, freedom, and the administration of justice. Reporting an offence is often the first courageous step toward accountability and recovery. When police, courts, healthcare providers, legal institutions, and communities work together, survivors are better protected, offenders are held accountable, and public confidence in the justice system is strengthened.
Reporting the Crime at a Police Station
6. Immediate Safety
Where there is an imminent threat, the survivor should:
- Contact the emergency services (such as 112 in India)
- Leave the unsafe location where possible
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Inform trusted family members or friends
ii. Registration of FIR
Under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) (formerly Section 154 CrPC), all information relating to a cognisable offence must be recorded by the police.
Victims are entitled to:
- Registration of an FIR without unnecessary delay
- A free copy of the FIR
- The FIR number
- Name and designation of the Investigating Officer
Failure to register an FIR may amount to dereliction of statutory duty.
7. Zero FIR
The concept of Zero FIR enables any police station to register information relating to a cognisable offence irrespective of territorial jurisdiction. The FIR is subsequently transferred to the competent police station for investigation.
This principle was reinforced following recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee (2013) and subsequent criminal law reforms.
8. Statement by a Woman Police Officer
Where feasible, statements of women victims—particularly in sexual offence cases—should be recorded by a woman police officer or any woman officer in a secure and dignified environment.
Victims may request:
- Privacy
- Presence of a support person
- Interpreter where necessary
- Video recording where permitted by law
9. Medical Examination
Victims of sexual offences have the right to:
- Immediate medical treatment
- Free emergency healthcare
- Forensic examination with informed consent
- Collection and preservation of biological evidence
Importantly:
No hospital may refuse treatment merely because police formalities have not been completed.
11. Collection of Evidence
Victims should preserve:
- Clothing
- Digital communications
- Mobile phones
- CCTV footage
- Emails
- Social media messages
- Medical reports
- Photographs of injuries
- Witness details
Prompt preservation significantly strengthens prosecution.
12. If Police Refuse to Register the Complaint
If an FIR is not registered, the survivor may:
- Submit a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police under the BNSS.
- Approach the judicial magistrate seeking appropriate directions.
- File a complaint before the State Women’s Commission or National Commission for Women.
- Approach the High Court through appropriate legal proceedings in exceptional cases.
- Seek assistance from legal services authorities providing free legal aid.
The Supreme Court in Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh (2014) 2 SCC 1 held that registration of an FIR is mandatory where information discloses the commission of a cognisable offence, except in limited categories where a preliminary inquiry is legally permissible.
13. Police Responsibilities During Investigation
Police officers are expected to conduct investigations that are:
- Fair
- Prompt
- Professional
- Victim-centred
- Gender-sensitive
- Legally compliant
Their responsibilities include:
- Recording statements
- Visiting the crime scene
- Collecting forensic evidence
- Identifying witnesses
- Arresting accused where legally justified
- Protecting victims and witnesses
- Filing the Final Report/Charge Sheet before the court
14. Victim Rights After Reporting
Modern criminal justice systems increasingly recognise victims as participants rather than mere witnesses.
Victims are entitled to seek:
- Protection orders
- Compensation schemes
- Free legal aid
- Counselling
- Shelter homes
- Medical rehabilitation
- Psychological support
- Witness protection where necessary
Many states operate One Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres), offering integrated services including medical care, police facilitation, legal assistance, counselling, and temporary shelter.
15. Dealing with the Aftermath
Reporting the offence marks the beginning—not the end—of the recovery process.
Survivors should:
- Maintain regular communication with the Investigating Officer.
- Preserve all documentary evidence.
- Attend court proceedings when required.
- Seek trauma-informed counselling.
- Develop a personal safety plan.
- Inform trusted individuals about ongoing risks.
- Report any intimidation or threats immediately.
Children affected by domestic or sexual violence should also receive specialised psychological support.
16. Role of Society
Ending violence against women requires collective responsibility.
Governments must ensure:
- Gender-sensitive policing
- Continuous police training
- Prompt investigation
- Victim-friendly infrastructure
- Forensic capacity
- Speedy trials
- Effective witness protection
Communities must reject victim-blaming, encourage reporting, and support survivors with empathy and dignity.
17. Common Crimes Against Women Reported at Police Stations and Relevant Legal Provisions
| Sl. No. | Nature of Offence | Relevant Legal Provision(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Murder of a woman | BNS, 2023 – Section 103 (1) |
| 2 | Culpable homicide not amounting to murder | BNS – Section 105 |
| 3 | Hurt and grievous hurt | BNS – Sections 115–124 |
| 4 | Criminal intimidation | BNS – Section 351 |
| 5 | Wrongful restraint and wrongful confinement | BNS – Sections 126–127 |
| 6 | Kidnapping and abduction | BNS – Sections 137–142 |
| 7 | Human trafficking | BNS – Section 143 |
| 8 | Rape | BNS – Sections 64–71 |
| 9 | Gang rape | BNS – Section 70 |
| 10 | Sexual assault/sexual harassment | BNS – Section 75 |
| 11 | Assault or criminal force with intent to disrobe | BNS – Section 76 |
| 12 | Voyeurism | BNS – Section 77 |
| 13 | Stalking (including cyberstalking) | BNS – Section 78 (2) |
| 14 | Word, gesture or act insulting the modesty of a woman, etc. | BNS – Section 79 |
| 15 | Dowry death | BNS – Section 80 (2) |
| 16 | Cruelty by husband or relatives | BNS – Section 85 |
| 17 | Domestic violence | Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 |
| 18 | Dowry demand | Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (Sections 3 & 4) |
| 19 | Acid attack | BNS – Sections 124 |
| 20 | Outraging dignity through obscene electronic material | Information Technology Act, 2000 – Sections 66E, 67, 67A |
| 21 | Identity theft and online impersonation | Information Technology Act – Sections 66C & 66D |
| 22 | Cyber stalking and online harassment | Information Technology Act, 2000 (read with BNS Section 78) |
| 23 | Revenge pornography / Non-consensual sharing of intimate images | Information Technology Act – Sections 66E and 67A; BNS provisions where applicable |
| 24 | Workplace sexual harassment | Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 |
| 25 | Child sexual offences | Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 |
| 26 | Forced marriage or trafficking for marriage | In many police cases of women being “sold into marriage” or transported across states for forced marriage, investigators commonly invoke Section 143 BNS (Trafficking of Persons) along with Section 87 BNS (Kidnapping, abducting or inducing a woman to compel her marriage, etc.). |
| 27 | Insulting caste identity with gender-based abuse | Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (where applicable) |
| 28 | Attempt to commit offences | Section 62, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Do not use Section 62 where the BNS contains a specific attempt provision. |
18. Protection of Identity of Victim, Accused and Witness
The law mandates confidentiality not only for victims but also, in specific circumstances, for accused persons and other vulnerable participants in the criminal justice process. The identities of victims of sexual offences, child sexual abuse, human trafficking, acid attacks, domestic violence, workplace sexual harassment, cyber-enabled sexual offences, and honour-based violence must be protected to safeguard their dignity, privacy, and security.
Likewise, the identities of child victims, child witnesses, and children in need of care and protection are protected under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Importantly, the identity of a child accused (child in conflict with law) is also protected under Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, reflecting the rehabilitative philosophy of juvenile justice.
Further, under Section 16 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), the identities of both the complainant (victim) and the respondent (accused), as well as witnesses and details of the proceedings, must remain confidential. These statutory protections ensure that privacy, dignity, fairness, and the integrity of the justice process are preserved while preventing secondary victimisation, social stigma, retaliation, or undue prejudice.
19. Conclusion
Crimes against women are not private disputes; they are serious violations of constitutional rights, human dignity, and the rule of law. Every survivor has the right to be heard, protected, and treated with compassion throughout the criminal justice process. Effective policing, timely registration of complaints, professional investigation, and coordinated legal and social support are essential to securing justice.
Legal protections exist because society recognises that violence against women undermines equality, freedom, and the administration of justice. Reporting an offence is often the first courageous step toward accountability and recovery. When police, courts, healthcare providers, legal institutions, and communities work together, survivors are better protected, offenders are held accountable, and public confidence in the justice system is strengthened.
