This note synthesises data from national surveys, research studies, and recent city-level evidence to understand the scale, patterns, and consequences of gender-based violence and harassment in India — both inside and outside the home.
Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence
The data shows that GBV remains alarmingly common. National survey data indicates that around one in three ever-married women in India has experienced physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Evidence on sexual harassment outside the home suggests that harassment in public spaces is routine rather than exceptional, affecting women across age groups, cities, and social backgrounds.
Sexual Harassment Outside the Home
City-level surveys highlight the everyday nature of harassment in streets, public transport, and markets. Recent evidence shows that between one-third and two-thirds of women in major Indian cities experienced sexual harassment in public spaces in the past year, often during daytime hours and in spaces women must use for work, education, and caregiving.
Underreporting and System Gaps
Across forms of violence, reporting remains low. National data shows that the majority of women who experience violence do not seek formal help, and city surveys indicate that nearly 70% of women do not file formal complaints after experiencing harassment in public spaces. Fear, stigma, lack of trust in institutions, and weak redressal mechanisms are persistent barriers.
Who Is Most Affected
The data highlights higher vulnerability among younger women, women from lower-income households, and those who rely heavily on public spaces for livelihood and education. Risk is shaped not only by individual factors, but by social norms, power imbalances, and weak institutional responses.
Impact on Women’s Lives
GBV and harassment impose substantial costs. Women report restricted mobility, mental and emotional distress, and economic losses, including choosing lower-quality educational institutions, limiting job opportunities, or spending more time and money on safer travel options.
What the Evidence Points To
While awareness of GBV has increased, the evidence base on what works to prevent violence — especially outside the home — remains limited. The data underscores the need for early prevention, norm change, stronger accountability systems, and rigorous testing of interventions at scale.
