The forensic department of KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, has revealed that one in every five unnatural deaths of women in the city is caused by gender-based violence (GBV). The study, carried out in conjunction with the Data for Health Initiative by Vital Strategies, examined female autopsies with an Accidental Death Report (ADR) from May 2017 to April 2022.
Of the 840 unnatural deaths among women, 181 were alleged cases of GBV. The study found that 47 per cent of the GBV cases were suicides, 47 per cent were accidents, and 6 per cent were homicides by a spouse, intimate friend or relative. Further, 75 per cent of the cases were women between the ages of 15 and 44.
KEM Hospital's autopsy centre, one of Mumbai's 10 autopsy centres, conducts approximately 1,200-1,300 autopsies per year and has the highest caseload.
According to the study, GBV is a global pandemic that affects one in three women throughout their lives. The Women and Child Development Department is collaborating with the GBV committee to develop and execute prevention policies.
The report also highlights the fact that a large number of these cases go unreported, making it difficult to accurately estimate the true extent of the problem. In addition, many women who do report cases of GBV often face challenges in getting justice due to a lack of resources, social stigma and other factors.
The Mumbai Police have acknowledged the gravity of the issue and have taken steps to address it. They have set up a special women's cell to deal with cases of GBV and have also launched awareness campaigns to educate women on their rights and how to report cases of violence.