Across the globe—and in India too—the number of violent crimes committed by women is on the rise. From domestic altercations and road rage incidents to organized crimes and homicides, more women are showing up in spaces traditionally dominated by male violence.

Why is this happening? And what does this say about the evolving dynamics of gender, power, and society?

Let’s unpack the layers.

The Numbers Tell a New Story

While men still vastly outnumber women in overall crime statistics, violent crimes committed by women have seen a steady increase over the past two decades.

According to India’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):

• Crimes by women have increased by over 25% in the past ten years.

• Women are now being booked not only for domestic violence or abetment of suicide but also for murder, physical assault, kidnapping, and even terrorism-related activities.

Globally, similar patterns emerge. In countries like the U.S., U.K., and Brazil, female involvement in violent crimes has risen, challenging gender stereotypes in criminal behaviour.

Changing Gender Roles and Power Dynamics

One major factor? The evolving role of women in society.

Today, women are more independent, more visible, and more assertive than previous generations. With this shift comes exposure to the same stressors, inequalities, and societal frustrations that often push men toward violence.

In a world that often pits power against vulnerability, some women are now mirroring aggressive behaviours once attributed exclusively to men—not because they’re inherently violent, but because their environments have changed.

“When women are forced into high-stress, low-support situations—be it in abusive homes or corrupt workplaces—their responses may include forms of aggression once thought to be ‘masculine,’” says Dr. Aarti Nimbalkar, a Pune-based sociologist.

Trauma, Suppression & Emotional Burnout

Unlike men, whose violence may stem from externalised aggression, women’s violence is often trauma-driven. Years of emotional suppression, domestic abuse, or economic hardship can manifest as explosive or retaliatory aggression.

Media Influence and Glamorisation of Violence

The rise of streaming platforms and social media has also played a role. Female characters like those in Killing Eve, Mirzapur, or Delhi Crime are no longer victims—they are perpetrators, vigilantes, or complex anti-heroes.

While fictional, these portrayals subtly normalise violent female archetypes. Gen Z teens, already navigating gender identity and peer pressure, may internalise this shift as a form of empowerment.

In many cases, violence is mistakenly seen as a route to power—a way to be heard in a world that often silences women.