A STUDY ON AWARENESS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AMOUNG YOUTH IN CHENNAI

Abstract

The term Sexual harassment can be defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or any other vocal or bodily conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment crimes are taking place since very long time.  It is a punishable offence under the penal laws of India.  There has been an increase in the crime rate as per the statistics issued by the National Crime Records Bureau.  However in 2019, Chennai has been named as the safest City to live.  Indian media have provided sensational coverage to the sexual harassment cases that brought the issue in the lime light.  Still an increasing number of cases go unreported and the reason behind the same has to be assessed. This paper would, in particular, analyse the reason for the same. This research is an empirical study and the samples were collected through a convenient sampling method. For this, a total of 292 samples were collected in and around Chennai from public places, such as beach, shopping malls, parks etc. The research relies upon the independent variable of age and gender and safety in streets after sunset.  Also, as a dependent variable, this research seeks to find out the reasons for underreporting of sexual crimes.  It is concluded that a significant difference between ‘feel of safety’ and ‘sense of security’ is identified among the respondents in Chennai.