Higher crime rate does not mean more crimes: Flavia Agnes

What are your views on NCRB statistics showing a rise in crimes against women?
These statistics don't indicate that crimes against women have actually gone up. They only show that more women are now willing to report crimes, and that the police do file cases and chargesheets against the accused. If the police do not record a complaint by a woman as per the latest amendment of the law, it is an offence. The stats may show that the crime rate for Mumbai is more than for Bihar or UP. This does not mean that there are more rapes in Mumbai. When I discussed this issue with police commissioner Rakesh Maria, he said, "We do not want crime rate to be brought down. On the contrary, we want each crime to be reported and proper investigation to be done. That is the challenge."

Do you think adequate steps are being taken by the state and the police to ensure women's safety?
Rape and sexual violence occur because of a patriarchal mindset. How much can we control by policing? This is a wrong notion. Also, violations occur in the safety of our homes and in our neighbourhood, with the promise of marriage etc. The stranger rapes are only a minuscule occurrence as compared to this. We need to provide to safety to women within their own homes and neighbourhoods.

Do you think stricter censorship is needed, going by the manner in which women are portrayed in various media?
We have a new censor board which wants to censor everything. How can you still ask this question? This again amounts to control and surveillance, not freedom.

Recent NCRB statistics show that Mumbai, once considered women-friendly, now ranks second when it comes to crimes against women. Is the city becoming unsafe for women?
I disagree. You cannot measure safety by the number of cases filed, but by what women experience. Even now, Mumbai is the safest city for women as compared to any other. Women can travel alone even at midnight in a taxi or train. This is just adverse propaganda.

What other steps can be taken?
I cannot answer that in one sentence. Safety apps on mobiles and better-lit streets is not the answer.