A recent study by the Centre for Public Policy Research highlights a significant gap between the number of assault cases filed by women and the justice ultimately delivered through the legal system. Covering five states, Kerala, Telangana, Goa, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand—the research finds that despite policy attention to gender equality, institutional responses often remain inadequate.
The study identifies several structural barriers that limit justice for survivors, including patriarchal attitudes within institutions, a lack of gender-sensitive training among officials, administrative delays, and insufficient funding for support systems. For instance, only about one-third of the funds allocated under the Nirbhaya Fund for women’s safety projects have been utilized, affecting the availability of infrastructure and services.

It also highlights gaps in survivor support mechanisms, such as shelter homes and aftercare services under government schemes like Mission Shakti. Additionally, awareness of support facilities such as One Stop Centres remains limited, while many survivors hesitate to seek help due to social stigma and lack of confidence in institutional mechanisms.

The report underscores the need for stronger institutional coordination, improved implementation of gender-sensitive policies, and greater awareness of available support systems to ensure that legal recourse translates into meaningful justice for survivors of violence.

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