New Delhi, Dec 3 (IANS): On an average 40 cases of crime against women, including at least four rape cases, are registered everyday in Delhi, union Minister of State for Home Affairs Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary said Wednesday.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, he said: "The rate of crime against women in Delhi is attributed to the fact that the registration of rape, molestation and other crimes against women has increased as an outcome of increased awareness of general public."

"On an average, 40 cases of crime against women are registered daily by Delhi Police."

"In 2014 (till Nov 15), a total number of 13,230 cases of crime against women were registered as against 11,479 cases in the corresponding period of 2013, and thus there is an increase of 15.25 percent," he said.

"Women are now feeling encouraged to come forward and lodge their complaints. Moreover, a decision was taken by Delhi Police in August 2013 to ensure truthful registration of crimes," the minister said.

A total of 13,038 girls have been imparted self-defence training by police till Oct 31, 2014, while 7,201 police officers have attended gender sensitisation programmes.

"Instructions have been issued for filing of charge sheets in rape cases within 20 days of arrest of accused as a result of which over 87 percent of cases of crime against women are being worked out within the first fortnight," he said.