used to those who either by age or infirmity are easily and securely kept in custody. Great caution shall be exercised at all times in the removal of handcuffs and other fastenings from prisoners en route whether by land or water. Handcuffs shall be kept in good order. If broken, they shall be mended or replaced without delay.15 C. Review Despite the clear, specific and unambiguous judgments from the Supreme Court and the details in the State Police Manuals, the abuse of handcuffs continues. Proper directions and monitoring by the senior officers of the police force would lessen the abuse of human rights regarding handcuffing. Sensitisation of the force regarding the use of handcuffs would definitely help in reducing the gap in theory and practice. V. Rights of Women Although Women may be victims of any of the general crimes such as ‘Murder’, ‘Robbery’, ‘Cheating’, etc, only the crimes which are directed specifically against Women are characterised as ‘Crimes Against Women’. Various new legislations have been brought and amendments have been made in existing laws with a view to handle these crimes effectively. A total of 2,03,804 incidents of crime against women (both under Indian Penal Code and Special and Local Laws) were reported in the country during 2009 as compared to 1,95,856 during 2008, recording an increase of 4.1% during 2009. These crimes have continuously increased during 2005 2009 with 1,55,553 in 2005, 1,64,765 cases in 2006, 1,85,312 cases in 2007, 1,95,856 cases in 2008 and 2,03,804 cases in 2009. 16 Police, who are at the frontline of the criminal justice system, are often called upon to intervene when an act of violence against women is in progress or shortly after it has occurred. Their attitude and response to all involved can have a dramatic impact on ensuing developments, including the prevention of future violent acts and the protection of victims. For example, in situations of recurring acts of domestic violence, the police 15 Third Report of the National Police Commission 16 Andhra Pradesh, covering nearly 7.1% of the country’s population, has accounted for 12.5% of total crimes against women in the country by reporting 25,569 cases. West Bengal with 7.6% share of country’s population has accounted for nearly 11.4% of total crime against women by reporting 23,307 cases in 2009. 32 Manual on Human Rights for Police Officers