Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 27^th Session (1-12 May 2017) on Violence against Women : 3^rd UPR of India. [Geneva, 4 May 2017]

Violence against women transcends geography and has to be addressed both in public and private space. In India, strong frameworks exist to protect women at workplaces as well. Apart from Constitutional guarantees, many specific laws exist to address violence and bring perpetrators to justice. Ensuring gender equality and combating violence against women are integral to India’s national priorities.

2. Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, has enhanced punishment for crimes like rape, sexual harassment, stalking, voyeurism, acid attacks, indecent gestures like words and inappropriate touch etc. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 provides a safe and secure environment to women at the workplace.

3. There is a provision for Protection Officers and Services Providers whose primary duty is to assist women in accessing reliefs provided under the law. All State Governments have appointed Protection Officers.

4. The 'Universalisation of Women Helpline' and 'One Stop Centre' Schemes are intended to support women affected by violence, in private and public spaces, within the family, community and at the workplace.

5. The Government has recently proposed a National Policy for Women, which will further strengthen the entire architecture to address violence against women. Further, India is building a gender-responsive and sensitized police force through training programmes, performance appraisal, and by encouraging 33% reservations for women in the police force.

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