Women's safety in India remains a complex challenge even in 2025 (Photo- Reuters)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. Women's safety in India remains a complex challenge even in 2025, where official crime statistics show stability, but unreported violence and insecurity remain widespread at the grassroots level.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023, 4,48,211 cases of crimes against women were registered, showing a marginal increase from 4,45,256 cases in 2022. The national crime rate stood at 66.2 per lakh women, while cruelty by husband or relatives (29.8%) remained the most prominent category.
40% women feel unsafe in cities
These figures reflect only those incidents that reach the police. The reality is much more serious than this. The National Commission for Women (NCW)'s National Annual Report and Index on Women's Safety (NARI) 2025 survey, based on interviews with 12,770 women across 31 cities, found that the national safety score is 65%, but 40% women feel unsafe in cities.
7% of women faced harassment in public places in 2024, rising to 14% among young women aged 18–24. Most importantly, nearly two-thirds (67%) of harassment incidents go unreported.
Domestic violence, public harassment often go unreported
Data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019-21) also highlight the same gap: about 32% of married women experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence from their husbands in their lifetime. Domestic violence, public harassment, online threats and abuse by known perpetrators often go unreported, as social pressure, family honour, distrust of the police and lengthy legal processes increase the cost of speaking up.
Better growth in reporting
The modest increase in NCRB is being taken as a sign of better reporting – due to schemes like women's helplines, one-stop centers and online portals. But regional variations are worrying: rates in Telangana (124.9), Rajasthan (114.8) and Delhi (133.6) more than double the national average. Neighborhoods (38%) and public transportation (29%) remain the major sites of harassment.
Women's safety remains an everyday fight in 2025
Experts say official figures bolster claims of policy progress, but hide the untold violence and vigilantism women face in daily life. Women's safety remains an every day battle in 2025, where silence and compromise often outweigh justice. What is needed is police reforms, social awareness and effective implementation.