Women hope for a safe city in 2023

Thiruvananthapuram: In 2022, sexual and physical assault cases reported against women in public spaces shocked the residents. It also raised questions about the safety of women in the state capital. However, thanks to the steely determination and brave approach of those who survived these attacks, the cases were reported and arrests were made in some cases.
The culprit behind the sexual misconduct suffered by a civil service coaching institute student in Yuvadhara Lane in Pandit Colony, Kowdiar, in November is yet to be identified. While the search is still on, the survivor talks about her experience and what can be improved in terms of our current security system.
"In my case, we had to rely on the visuals from CCTV cameras placed on the houses in the lane. The attacker was apparently stalking us from the main junction. I believe the whole process could have been easier if there were cameras placed in public spaces too. The offender seems to have committed similar crimes in the past too, but it seems nobody filed any complaints. I think women should come forward and report to the authorities when incidents like these happen. It can truly open up possibilities for catching such offenders eventually without hitting roadblocks in between. Staying indoors in fear is never a solution," she said.
The city was rather shaken by the Museum assault case against a lady doctor, which happened in October. According to the survivor, in the present age, technology does play a major role in identifying criminals, but it does not make up for the crucial intervention required by the police force.
“Initially, I had to take the major initiative to expedite the search by bringing it to the attention of higher authorities."It is a fact that our security force strength is not proportionate to the population. Their reachability is still a huge factor that has yet to be addressed," she said.
"It seems that the culprit was a habitual offender. Boys and girls should be taught at home and at school to respect each other. We can control such unfortunate events in the future and move forward as a society only if we are willing to bring up our children in the right way," the doctor said.