NCW Receives 1.5 Lakh Complaints Every Year, Domestic Violence Leads: Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar

The National Commission for Women (NCW) receives around 1.5 lakh complaints annually, with domestic violence accounting for the highest number of cases under its mandate, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has said, highlighting the continuing challenges women face within their households.

In an interview with PTI, Rahatkar said women could approach the commission through multiple channels, including its online portal, Management Information System (MIS), email, in-person visits and its 24-hour helpline, 14490. She stressed that lack of awareness about complaint procedures should not prevent women from seeking assistance.

The NCW's official statistical dashboard recorded 27,672 complaints in 2025, including 6,920 cases of domestic violence, accounting for approximately 25 per cent of the total. Other major categories included dowry harassment (4,031), assault (3,921), criminal intimidation (3,834) and rape or attempted rape (1,625). Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of complaints, with 14,028 cases. The commission's published figures and Rahatkar's annual estimate have different totals, and their coverage requires clarification.

The commission handles complaints relating to domestic abuse, dowry harassment, sexual harassment, cybercrime, trafficking, stalking and other violations of women's rights. Depending on the case, it can coordinate with authorities, monitor police investigations, facilitate counselling and mediation, and constitute inquiry committees for serious crimes.

Rahatkar also highlighted the 'Rashtriya Mahila Aayog Aapke Dwar' initiative, under which the commission conducts public hearings to reach women who cannot easily approach its offices. During the past 1.5 years, it has held more than 200 in-person hearings in villages and other locations across the country.

The commission also organises legal awareness programmes to educate women about their rights and build confidence. Rahatkar said women should consider the NCW their 'maayka' (maternal home), where they can seek help without fear or hesitation.