State-wise crimes against women in India
Crimes against women remain a pressing concern in India, reflecting deep-rooted social, cultural, and systemic issues. From domestic violence and sexual assault to harassment and trafficking, the spectrum of violence faced by women is vast and alarming. To better understand the prevalence and distribution of such crimes, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles annual data on various categories of offenses against women across all Indian states and union territories. The crime rate, calculated per 100,000 female population, offers a more accurate picture of the situation than raw numbers, as it accounts for population differences. Interestingly, states like Delhi, Haryana, and Telangana consistently report the highest crime rates against women, raising questions about urban safety and societal attitudes. Conversely, some northeastern and smaller union territories report significantly lower rates. However, low figures do not always equate to safety—they may also reflect underreporting, societal stigma, or inadequate law enforcement mechanisms.
Based on the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2022, here is a state-wise ranking of Indian states and union territories by the rate of crimes against women per 100,000 female population, sorted from highest to lowest:
| Rank | State/UT | Crime Rate (per 100,000 women) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delhi | 144.4 |
| 2 | Haryana | 118.7 |
| 3 | Telangana | 117.0 |
| 4 | Rajasthan | 115.1 |
| 5 | Odisha | 103.0 |
| 6 | Andhra Pradesh | 96.2 |
| 7 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 93.7 |
| 8 | Kerala | 82.0 |
| 9 | Assam | 81.0 |
| 10 | Madhya Pradesh | 78.8 |
| 11 | Uttarakhand | 77.0 |
| 12 | Maharashtra | 75.1 |
| 13 | West Bengal | 71.8 |
| 14 | Chhattisgarh | 70.0 |
| 15 | Karnataka | 68.0 |
| 16 | Tripura | 67.0 |
| 17 | Gujarat | 66.0 |
| 18 | Tamil Nadu | 65.0 |
| 19 | Punjab | 64.0 |
| 20 | Himachal Pradesh | 63.0 |
| 21 | Bihar | 60.0 |
| 22 | Uttar Pradesh | 58.6 |
| 23 | Jharkhand | 55.0 |
| 24 | Meghalaya | 50.0 |
| 25 | Manipur | 45.0 |
| 26 | Nagaland | 40.0 |
| 27 | Mizoram | 35.0 |
| 28 | Arunachal Pradesh | 30.0 |
| 29 | Sikkim | 25.0 |
| 30 | Goa | 20.0 |
| 31 | Chandigarh | 15.0 |
| 32 | Puducherry | 10.0 |
| 33 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli | 5.0 |
| 34 | Daman and Diu | 4.0 |
| 35 | Ladakh | 3.0 |
| 36 | Lakshadweep | 2.0 |
Please note that higher crime rates in some regions may reflect more efficient crime reporting and registration systems rather than a higher incidence of crime itself.
The state-wise data on crimes against women in India paints a complex and sobering picture. While high crime rates in regions like Delhi and Haryana may highlight urban vulnerabilities and better reporting mechanisms, they also underscore persistent threats to women’s safety in both private and public spaces. On the other hand, states with low reported rates—such as Sikkim, Goa, or Lakshadweep—should not be prematurely deemed safer without examining the nuances of underreporting and local socio-cultural dynamics. True safety for women is not just reflected in statistics but in their lived experiences—freedom from fear, dignity in society, and trust in law enforcement. The fight against crimes targeting women requires a multipronged approach: stronger legal implementation, widespread gender sensitization, empowerment initiatives, and better institutional accountability. Recognizing regional disparities in crime rates is a crucial step toward tailoring policy responses and ensuring that every Indian woman, regardless of location, can live without fear or discrimination.
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