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Sexual harassment in Sri Lanka has become an increasing concern, with official reports highlighting a troubling rise in cases across various spaces, including households, public areas, and workplaces. According to Deputy Inspector General Renuka Jayasundara, police recorded 2,785 cases of sexual harassment in 2024 alone. However, she emphasized that actual incidents are likely much higher due to underreporting.
Strict Legal Framework: India has stringent laws such as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, and provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to tackle sexual offenses.
Emergency Helplines: Several dedicated helplines, including the 181 Women's Helpline and 1091 for police assistance, have been established for immediate support.
Fast-Track Courts: The country has set up fast-track courts to expedite cases related to sexual violence, ensuring justice is served swiftly.
Public Safety Measures: India has launched safety apps like 'Nirbhaya' and 'Himmat' to help women alert authorities in case of emergencies.
Awareness Campaigns: Educational programs and campaigns are regularly conducted to encourage victims to come forward and report incidents.
Harassment in Different Spheres
The statistics paint a grim picture of gender-based violence in the country. The highest number of cases were recorded within households, with 1,852 incidents reported. Cyber harassment accounted for 348 cases, harassment in public spaces for 289, incidents on roads for 176, and workplace harassment for 70.New Initiatives to Combat Harassment
In response to the growing crisis, the Sri Lankan government and organizations have introduced various measures aimed at tackling sexual violence. One such initiative is the development of a mobile application by the National Transportation Commission. Chairman D. B. Witharana announced that the app is designed to help girls and women combat gendered violence more effectively.24/7 Hotlines for Immediate Action
Authorities are also working on making general hotlines available 24/7 for reporting sexual harassment cases. Officials have stressed that prompt reporting can play a crucial role in enforcing laws and ensuring timely action against perpetrators.How Sexual Harassment is Dealt with in India
The issue of sexual harassment is not limited to Sri Lanka; neighboring India has also implemented various strategies to address gendered violence.Strict Legal Framework: India has stringent laws such as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, and provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to tackle sexual offenses.
Emergency Helplines: Several dedicated helplines, including the 181 Women's Helpline and 1091 for police assistance, have been established for immediate support.
Fast-Track Courts: The country has set up fast-track courts to expedite cases related to sexual violence, ensuring justice is served swiftly.
Public Safety Measures: India has launched safety apps like 'Nirbhaya' and 'Himmat' to help women alert authorities in case of emergencies.
Awareness Campaigns: Educational programs and campaigns are regularly conducted to encourage victims to come forward and report incidents.
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