Geographical distribution of violence against women in Jammu & Kashmir, India

The present study pertains to the incidence of subjugation and discrimination faced by females mostly meted out by the hostile nature of males. The records of State Crime Records Bureau Jammu & Kashmir, Ministry of Home Affairs (GOI) 2012–2018, J & K statistical digest 2016, Census of India 2011 were assessed to study the nature of violence against women (VAW). Adherence Diversity Index was used to calculate religious diversification. Overall, a high incidence of VAW, i.e., molestation (35%), kidnapping (30.03%), and domestic violence mostly meted through cruelty from the spouse (11.9%), were reported. The cases of violence, such as molestation, the cruelty of the husband, and rape, show an increasing trend from 2012 to 2018 in the entire study region. High cases of VAW were observed against women in districts with the most negligible religious diversification and low literacy rate. The study reveals a high proportion of VAW in the districts of Kashmir Division that has diversified socio-cultural, economic, and instability in its political base, which makes it with the presence of highest military force zone of India. Karl Pearson bivariate correlation analysis was used to determine the association between different socio-cultural variables and incidence of VAW. Illiteracy with (r = − .50) and religious diversification (− .41) were the prime factors in VAW incidence with a statistically significant p-value. The presentation of data VAW in Geographic Information System (GIS) will be utilised in identifying hotspot areas that will be beneficial by the concerned stakeholders to cope and mitigate the burden of VAW.