Every year on November 25, the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, setting the stage for the 16 Days of Activism to combat gender-based violence. In 2025, the theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls” captures the urgency of tackling emerging forms of online abuse, such as cyberstalking, doxxing, deepfakes, and coordinated harassment, which are affecting women globally.
India, through a coordinated approach involving legislation, digital initiatives, helplines, and rehabilitation schemes, is addressing both traditional and technology-enabled violence, ensuring the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women in both physical and virtual spaces.
Global Background and History
Origins of the International Day
- The UN designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 2000.
- The date commemorates the assassination of the Mirabal Sisters in 1960, who opposed dictatorship in the Dominican Republic.
- It marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (Nov 25–Dec 10, Human Rights Day).
- The day has since become a major global movement that unites governments, civil society, and communities to challenge gender-based violence in all forms.
The Shift Toward Digital Safety
In the last decade, violence against women has expanded into the digital space. Women increasingly face,
- Cyberstalking
- Online blackmail
- Non-consensual sharing of images
- Deepfake-generated abuse
- Trolling and targeted harassment
The global theme for 2025 reflects the need to protect women’s rights in a rapidly digitalizing world.
Legal Frameworks Strengthening Women’s Safety
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Effective July 1, 2024, this new criminal law code replaces the Indian Penal Code and includes,
- Harsher punishments for sexual violence, including life imprisonment for rape of minors under 18
- Expanded definitions of sexual offences
- Mandated audio-video recording of victim statements
- Priority trials for crimes against women and children
Domestic Violence Protection: PWDVA 2005
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005 ensures protection for women in domestic settings, covering,
- Physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and economic abuse
- Dowry-related harassment
- Legal protection for women in live-in relationships
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013
Applicable across all workplaces, this Act mandates,
- Internal Committees (ICs) for organisations with over 10 employees
- Local Committees (LCs) at the district level
- Timely redressal within 90 days
- SHe-Box portal for online reporting and tracking of complaints
Mission Shakti: A National Strategy for Women’s Empowerment
Mission Shakti is the government’s flagship umbrella scheme to enhance safety, security, and empowerment of women. It includes,
- Sambal: Safety and protection services
- Samarthya: Empowerment through skill training, health, and education
This mission integrates support services at every level, offering women a lifecycle-based support system.
Key Support Schemes and Helplines
One Stop Centres (OSCs)
Operational since 2015, OSCs provide,
- Medical, legal, police, psychological, and temporary shelter support under one roof
- Access to services for women facing violence or distress
Swadhar Greh Scheme
Established in 2016, this scheme supports women in crisis, such as,
- Victims of violence
- Women facing mental trauma or social ostracism
- Survivors of trafficking
It offers shelter, counselling, legal aid, and vocational training.
Women Helpline (181)
Launched nationwide, this 24×7 helpline connects women to emergency and non-emergency services including,
- Police, legal aid, shelter homes, and hospitals
- Emergency Response Support System (ERSS 112) also active in all states
NCW 24×7 Helpline: 7827170170
Facilitates instant referral to police, hospitals, counsellors and legal aid. Integrated with IVR and Digital India platforms for seamless response.
Tech-Driven Safety Mechanisms
SHe-Box
This online complaint portal under the POSH Act allows women to,
- File workplace harassment complaints
- Track complaint progress in real time
- Ensure automatic routing to the relevant IC/LC
Digital Shakti Campaign
Run by the National Commission for Women, this initiative aims to,
- Digitally empower women and girls
- Promote awareness on cyber safety and reporting mechanisms
Crime Tracking Systems
- ITSSO: Tracks police investigations in sexual offence cases
- NDSO: National registry of convicted sex offenders
- Cri-MAC: Real-time crime alert system for law enforcement
Institutional Mechanisms to Speed Justice
Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)
- 773 FTSCs, including 400 exclusive POCSO courts, functional across India
- Over 3.3 lakh cases disposed as of August 2025
Women Help Desks (WHDs)
- 14,658 desks operational in police stations as of February 2025
- Offer safe spaces for reporting, counselling, and FIR registration
Mental Health Support: Project Stree Manoraksha
In partnership with NIMHANS, Bengaluru, this initiative,
- Trains OSC staff in mental health and trauma counselling
- Enhances psychosocial support for survivors of violence
Static Facts
- Day Observed: 25 November (International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women)
- Theme for 2025: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”
- Helpline Numbers: 181 (national), 7827170170 (NCW), 112 (emergency), 7217735372 (WhatsApp)
- Key Legal Reforms: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, PWDVA 2005, POSH Act 2013
- Flagship Schemes: Mission Shakti, Swadhar Greh, One Stop Centres, Digital Shakti
- Digital Tools: ITSSO, NDSO, Cri-MAC, SHe-Box
- Number of Women Help Desks: 14,658
- Fast Track Courts: 773 (incl. 400 e-POCSO courts)
- Swadhar Greh Scheme: Revised from April 2016