Analysis of Crimes Against Women in Sonipat District: Identifying Zones of Vulnerability and Offender-Victim Relationships

Abstract

The present study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of crimes against women in Sonipat district, Haryana, with a focused objective to identify and delineate the zones where such crimes are most prevalent. The district's strategic location, bordering Delhi and major economic hubs, has led to rapid urbanization and industrial growth—factors that potentially influence crime dynamics. Using detailed block-level data from 2024, the study analyzes offenses under Special and Local Laws (SLL), such as domestic violence and human trafficking, as well as age-wise distribution and relational context in rape cases. Findings reveal that domestic violence is the most widespread SLL crime, with Kharkhoda, Sonipat and Rai emerging as high-incidence blocks. Rape cases total 486 across the district, with over 97% of victims being adults and 91% of offenders known to the victim—highlighting a pervasive pattern of trust-based violation. The spatial distribution maps and figures, generated using QGIS, illustrate the localized concentration of crimes and underscore the need for targeted interventions. The study emphasizes the urgency of strengthening community-based support systems, improving legal awareness and reinforcing law enforcement in identified hotspots to ensure the safety and dignity of women across both urban and rural areas of Sonipat.