Confidence in govt encouraging women, girls to report crimes: CM Stalin

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin asserted in the House on Monday that confidence in the government and sustained efforts to raise awareness have encouraged girls and women to file complaints, reassuring that Tamil Nadu remains one of the safest states in the country for women.

Backing his remarks with data, the CM noted that the national average for crimes and sexual offences against women stands at 66.4% and 4.7% respectively (per one lakh women), whereas TN reports significantly lower figures — 24% for overall crimes against women and 1.1% for sexual offences.

He made these remarks while responding to Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami raising concerns over the rising number of crimes against women and children in the State. Palaniswami had also flagged incidents of sexual assault on school students, urging the government to take proactive and corrective measures to address the issue.

CM Stalin stated that TN has a track record of 90.6% charge-sheeting rate in these cases, compared to the national average of 75.5%. He also cited a 2024 survey which ranked Chennai as the second safest city in the country for women. “During the previous AIADMK regime, victims were afraid to file complaints. Today, they have confidence in the government and are ready to seek justice,” he said.

Joining the debate, Social Welfare Minister Geetha Jeevan said students are now stepping forward to lodge complaints, largely due to awareness camps. She added that around 65% of the cases filed under the Pocso Act relate to love affairs and child marriage, which are misconstrued as sexual offences.