Published May 12, 2026 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated May 12, 2026 | 8:00 AM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: Kerala has reported higher domestic violence and sexual harassment cases than Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, according to NCRB’s Crime in India 2024. The state registered 4,458 cases of cruelty by husband or relatives. Despite high numbers, Kerala shows strong victim reporting and police accountability, with a 94.5% charge-sheeting rate, reflecting awareness and trust in law enforcement rather than higher incidence.
Kerala has recorded specifically higher cases of domestic violence and sexual harassment compared to immediate neighbours Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, even as the state demonstrates one of the strongest victim reporting patterns and police accountability in the country, according to the Crime in India 2024 report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Domestic Violence (Cruelty by Husband or Relatives):
Kerala registered 4,458 cases under this category in 2024 — the primary legal head for domestic violence — far higher than its neighbours:
Kerala also reports notable numbers of sexual harassment cases, including incidents in public places, public transport, and workplaces, under categories such as “Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty” and “Sexual Harassment”.
While the report does not provide a specific public transport or work place harassment breakup for all states, Kerala’s higher numbers in these heads are consistent with its overall trend of greater reporting of crimes against women.
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What sets Kerala apart is not just the volume of cases but the robust reporting mechanism and police response:
Kerala’s higher reported figures are interpreted as a reflection of greater awareness among women, higher trust in the police system, and willingness to report crimes — rather than necessarily higher actual incidence compared to states with lower numbers but poorer reporting.
The Crime in India 2024 report, the 72nd edition, was released by the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this month.
The NCRB has cautioned that variations in reported crimes are influenced by multiple factors including reporting behaviour, awareness levels, and policing practices.
Despite southern states generally boasting better social development indicators, the data stresses the need for continued focus on preventing crimes against women and strengthening support systems across the region.
