Sexual assault to women - A burning moral and socioeconomical issue

Abstract

Crime against women is a serious physical, mental, social and religious concern and considered as a violation of women basic human right. The aim was to highlight the cases of sexual violence in the Siliguri Police Commisionerate area and to analyze the data with respect to epidemiological and demographic presentation. The most affected age group was 10-18 years (62%). Majority of victims were unmarried (82%), student (60%) and of lower socioeconomic class (93%), majority being Hindu (84%) by religion. The highest number of victims was examined on the second day (56%). Majority knew the assailant (84%). Consented sexual intercourse was in majority of cases (57%). The study highlights the importance of addressing violence against woman, as not only an important health, but also a socioeconomical and moral aspect, which needs effective measures to improve the conditions of woman in our society.