Violence against women increasing: AP Governor

Hyderabad, Feb 13 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Governor Rameshwar Thakur today expressed concern over increasing violence against women in the country.

Inaugurating 'India Women's Conference' here, he said female foeticide, infanticide, dowry violence and sexual harassment at work place were becoming common. These crimes often remained unpunished.

Calling on women's organisations and governments to take steps to protect women from all forms of violence, he said the basic reason for violence against women was their inferior status in education, socio-economic and political life.

Stressing the need for curbing trafficking and rehabilitating victims, Mr Thakur said other reasons, which led to violence against women was the increasing criminalisation of society, media images of violence, erosion of traditional and moral values.

Women had the right to demand access to economic and social resources, health, education and attainment of equal status with men, he said, adding these rights should be fulfilled for society to progress.

UNI