CRIME AND ATROCITIES AGAINST WOMEN: A STUDY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN CHHATTISGARH

AUTHOR – SAMTA DEWANGAN, LLM STUDENT AT KALINGA UNIVERSITY RAIPUR

BEST CITATION – SAMTA DEWANGAN, CRIME AND ATROCITIES AGAINST WOMEN: A STUDY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN CHHATTISGARH, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (14) OF 2025, PG. 01-12, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/ALYT7079

ABSTRACT

Chhattisgarh a central Indian state with a substantial tribal population continues to face significant challenges regarding crimes and atrocities against women, particularly in the form of domestic violence. This research paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the magnitude, patterns, and driving factors behind domestic violence in Chhattisgarh, drawing on the latest government records, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2023, and relevant academic literature. The study aims to unravel the social, legal, and structural determinants of violence, offering insights into both state-level trends and the unique vulnerabilities of tribal and rural women.Using a mixed-methods approach, the research collates quantitative data from government and NCRB reports on crime categories rape, assault to outrage modesty, cruelty by husbands or relatives, dowry deaths, and other forms of violence alongside qualitative findings from peer-reviewed studies and field surveys focused on tribal communities. In 2023, Chhattisgarh registered 6,920 cases of crimes against women, with “assault with intent to outrage modesty” (31%), “cruelty by husband or relatives” (28%), and “rape” (21%) forming the majority. Many offences remain underreported, particularly in marginalized tribal districts. Alcohol abuse, lack of legal literacy, poverty, and deep-rooted patriarchy emerge as key catalysts.The study examines state legal responses, especially under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, highlighting a high charge-sheeting rate of over 92% but far lower conviction rates. While Chhattisgarh has invested in protection officers, helplines, and awareness campaigns, challenges persist in implementation, particularly in remote areas. Tables and a pie chart visualize the distribution of offence types and temporal trends, enriching comparative context and aiding policy analysis.Findings stress the need for tailored, community-based interventions to address underreporting, improve access to legal and psychological support, and build institutional capacity to serve the most vulnerable groups. Recommendations include legal literacy drives, capacity-building for police and protection officers, and expanded outreach among SC/ST and rural women. The research underscores that, despite legal progress, combating domestic violence in Chhattisgarh requires an integrated approach blending reform, outreach, and grassroots advocacy, grounded in local realities and backed by sustained data monitoring.

Key words: Chhattisgarh, domestic violence, crimes against women, tribal communities, NCRB data