Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic/ 24th November to 1st December 2018
Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic
Written by Sabah Batul
Blogging Team
Sexual violence is a global pandemic. One in three women experiences sexual or physical violence – most likely from their intimate partner, according to a report from the World Health Organization. There is an urgent need to increase sensitization regarding sexual violence and the awareness of consent and sexual violence amongst persons at large. In this series, we examine sexual violence and related issues that have come up in the news, on a weekly basis, published every Saturday. This is an attempt to improve awareness regarding incidents of sexual violence and related matters, so that we, as a society can take steps towards collective action to reduce its incidence. It is an effort to ensure that we acknowledge the rampant sexual violence that exists, lest we forget.
This issue looks at 24th November to 1st December 2018.
- Rahul Johri not guilty
BCCI CEO was exonerated from all charges of sexual harassment by a panel which was set to look into the charges. The panel comprised Justice Rakesh Sharma (retired), former Delhi Commission for Women chief Barkha Singh and Lawyer/Activist Veena Gowda. After probing into the case, the panel came to the conclusion that the charges were “mischievous and fabricated”. Gowda though found Johri’s actions “unprofessional and inappropriate.”
2. Sexual harassment and the third gender
The Calcutta high court imposed a fine of Rs.2 lakhs on a practising advocate for filing a vague petition for sexual harassment against men of the third gender. The petition had asked for guidelines for authorities to handle “acts of sexual harassment of and non-consensual sexual contacts with the people of masculine and third genders of the State of West Bengal…proper steps, and procedures are taken for the resolution, settlement and/or prosecution and also all other steps required for doing complete justice to the said victims are duly been taken.”
3. AIESEC intern alleges sexual harassment at construction firm
A Venezuelan intern alleges sexual harassment at a real estate firm with projects in Pune and Mumbai. The intern came through the AISEC international, a global network for students. The intern has filed a case against AIESEC, Pune regarding “negligence” against her complaint.
4. Radio harassment reports
Radio station BFM 89.9 is investigating alleged sexual harassment reports. An email with the details of such alleged incidents was sent to star and other news outlets. BFM founder Malek Ali said, “We are committed to providing a safe environment in which all members of our community can work without fear and threat of sexual harassment. At this juncture, we are unable to confirm any of the situations described,”
5. 4 Female officers to sue Toronto police
4 female officers plan to sue Toronto police over sexual harassment. “We are suing for continuous and malicious sexual harassment,” Howard Levitt of Levitt LLP told Global News. Toronto police refuse to comment on the allegations.
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In case you like this new series, hate it, or think there are stories that we should be covering but have missed out on, please email us at [email protected] We look forward to your inputs and feedback!
