International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 4, Issue 11, November-2013 641 ISSN 2229-5518 IJSER © 2013 http://www.ijser.org VULNERABLE CONDITION OF WOMEN IN SOUTH 24 PARGANAS DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL Supratim Karmakar ABSTRACT: This article provides an overall picture of crimes committed against women in the district of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The rate of crime against women is quite startling in South 24 Parganas district in comparison to other districts of West Bengal. The paper intends to reveal the impact of illiteracy, poverty and societal customs upon the increasing rate of crimes against women in this district. By using official crime data, we analyzed general crime trend and characteristics of crimes and also highlighted the crime control practices. The seriousness of crime problems in South 24 Parganas is also examined from a comparative perspective by engaging in a inter district comparison. The findings of the paper indicate that crime against women in South 24 Parganas is present in various forms and the preventive measures of crimes are not satisfactory. KEY WORDS: Post marital violence, Rape, Molestation, Dowry death, Sexual harassment, Domestic violence, Crime control. 1. INTRODUCTION: THE issue of the status of the women in society has been a matter of intense scrutiny and debate all over the world. This is equally true of India as well as West Bengal, an essentially patriarchal society, where the goal of equality between men and women is actually guaranteed by the country’s constitution. Women are said to be the better half of the society and supposed to enjoy all privileges and comforts, at par with men. But the reality shows some other picture which is very depressing. Despite of all sloganeering, tall claims and official schemes, women in our social fabric are very much vulnerable to all sorts of threats, dangers and even fatal assaults (Uday Veer, 2004). 2. Condition of Women in West Bengal: In terms of personal security, West Bengal is generally considered to be a comparatively safe state in the all-India context. In 2001, for example, the number of cognizable crimes per one lakh population in West Bengal (76.7) was less than half of the all India average (172.3), with only Meghalaya and Mizoram reporting a lower rate. But here the chief concern is one crucial component of the total security scenario in any civilized society; violence against women. IJSER