The Prevalence of Harassing Calls
According to a 2020 study by "Truecaller," approximately 8 out of 10 women in India report receiving harassing or inappropriate phone calls at least once a week. Major cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, and Pune are particularly affected. Women frequently provide their phone numbers in public places or on forms, which increases their vulnerability to such calls.
However, despite the widespread nature of this issue, only about 12% of women report these calls to the police, while the remaining 88% simply block the number. It is important to recognize that even blank calls can constitute harassment, especially when made with the intent to frighten or annoy.
Impact of Harassment on Women
The impact of harassing phone calls on women is significant. In a 2019 poll conducted by Truecaller involving 2,150 women from 14 cities, nearly four out of five women reported feeling irritated or angry due to these calls. Additionally, one in three women reported being psychologically affected, experiencing feelings of fear, anxiety, and distress.
As the number of such incidents continues to rise, victims must report these incidents to the police. Recording details such as the caller's gender, voice tone, the time of the call, and the conversation content can help authorities identify the perpetrator. If the harassment persists, filing a First Information Report (FIR) becomes necessary.
Legal Provisions for Charging Harassers
India has several legal provisions to charge individuals responsible for phone harassment:
- Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC): Insulting the modesty of a woman through a phone call can result in up to a year in jail and a fine.
- Section 506 of the IPC: Criminal intimidation, which includes threatening someone over the phone, can lead to a sentence of up to seven years in jail and/or a fine.
- Section 354A of the IPC: Soliciting sexual favours or making sexually suggestive comments is considered sexual harassment, punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a fine.
- Section 507 of the IPC: Anonymous threats or intimidation through communication can result in an additional two-year prison sentence.
- Section 354D of the IPC: Repeatedly contacting a woman for a sexual relationship against her wishes can lead to a three-year prison sentence and a fine.
Helpline Numbers for Women
- 181 (Abhayam Helpline): Exclusively for women, this helpline allows female counsellors to record the harasser's details, leading to police action
- 1091: Another nationwide women's helpline number where women can report phone harassment, leading to police intervention.
- 100: A general helpline number for both men and women to report harassment.
Harassment Laws in Other Countries
- United States: The Federal Communications Act, particularly 47 U.S. Code 223, prohibits phone harassment, with specific legal remedies outlined in various state statutes. California's Penal Code 653m PC bans harassing calls, with penalties including up to 6 months in prison and a $1,000 fine.
- Texas: The Texas Penal Code considers anonymous or continuous harassing calls a crime, punishable by up to 180 days in prison and a $2,000 fine. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties.
- Canada: Section 264 of the Criminal Code punishes harassment through frequent calls with a minimum of ten years in prison.
While there are legal remedies for addressing harassing phone calls, individuals can also take preventive measures, such as safeguarding personal information. However, blocking numbers or hanging up the phone are only temporary solutions. To effectively combat phone harassment and prevent it from happening again, it is essential to report such incidents to the authorities and pursue serious legal action against the harasser.
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