Psychological and Social Impact of Street Harassment on Women in Kashmir

Abstract

The study explores the prevalence of street harassment and its socio-psychological implications on women in Kashmir. Street Harassment is one of the leading gender based violence with women are facing today in Kashmir. Victims of Street Harassment suffer as a result of socio-psychological effects of Harassment. Depression, disorder and uncomfortable situation are the results of Street Harassment and depression is the most common psychological disorder and it inflicts women worldwide.  The present study was conducted to identify the social impact of street harassment on women  and to study the emotional and behavioral reactions of street harassment on women in Kashmir  As per census 2011, the total population of women in all districts of Kashmir rural and urban in the age group of 12-35 years comprised 1430323. The sample size thus obtained was 1039 from all districts of Kashmir. Sample was derived from such population through stratified sampling technique. Out of such sample 706 was obtained from rural areas and 333 was obtained from urban areas. Moreover the sample comprised 368 in the age group of 12-18 years, 317  in the age group of 19-25 years and 354  in the age group of 26-35 years. Emotional responses to harassment are relatively consistent among different age groups, with no notable trends between high and average reactions. However, rural women report greater emotional distress than their urban counterparts. Data  indicates that women who do not engage in cash-earning work experience more emotional distress: Educational status plays a crucial role in shaping emotional responses. Behavioural reactions are similarly varied, with younger and unmarried women exhibiting higher levels of response compared to married women. Overall, the findings underscore the pervasive nature of street harassment and its profound psychosocial impact on women in Kashmir.