Nearly two lakh women and children—1,95,441—were victims of crimes in Kerala during the previous decade. According to home department data from May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2026, courts acquitted more over 47,000 accused, but the state did not appeal most of them.

Over the decade, Kerala registered 1,58,406 offenses against women and 37,035 crimes against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, according to assembly numbers. These crimes killed 1,261 people—918 women and 343 children. Since many such crimes go unreported due to societal shame, fear, or familial pressure, the real number of offenses may have been greater.

The results indicate a troubling judicial tendency. However, judges acquitted 47,266 accused, including 30,413 in crimes against women and 16,853 in Pocso instances. The number of acquittals exceeded convictions threefold.

These acquittals prompted a remarkable governmental response. It did not appeal acquittals in higher courts for 30,204 crimes against women and 16,636 Pocso cases, totaling 46,840 instances. “It is hard to believe the state did not appeal most acquittals of crimes against women and children. The prosecution usually appeals an acquittal to a higher court if a victim persists. Former DGP Vinson M Paul said these data require severe investigation and a complete revision of the state's appeals process, especially at a time when governments consistently highlight their commitment to women and children's protection.

District-level data show large geographical variances. Malappuram led the state in crimes against minors (4,311) and women (17,825 instances) throughout the decade. Thiruvananthapuram Rural has 13,929 violence against women and 3,419 against children.

Malappuram had the most convictions in both categories, 1,353 for crimes against women and 353 for Pocso. It also had the most acquittals, 3,182 for crimes against women and 2,413 for Pocso.

Malappuram had the most child victims (57), while Thiruvananthapuram Rural had the most women (93) slain. Other districts with high crime rates included Ernakulam Rural, Palakkad, Kozhikode Rural, and Thrissur City.

During the decade, the state recorded around 53 offenses against women and children daily. For every convicted defendant, more than three were acquitted, and the state seldom appealed.