Sexual Violence : A Global Pandemic/27th January to 2nd February 2018
Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic
Written by Nikunj Morarka
Policy and Legal 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 27th January to 2nd February 2018.
Hollywood manager accused of sexual harassment
Hollywood manager Vincent Cirrincione has been accused of sexual harassment by nine women in a report from The Washington Post. Eight African American women and one Asian American woman alleged that Cirrincione made unwanted sexual advances toward them over a two-decade period. The manager formerly represented Halle Berry for 20 years and currently manages Taraji P. Henson.
CEO keeps job despite accusations
The CEO of the Humane Society of America, Wayne Pacelle, will keep his job leading one of the nation’s largest animal charities despite an internal investigation that identified sexual harassment complaints by three female subordinates and threats by major donors to cut their support. The decision to retain Pacelle by the board of directors, who reviewed the allegations during a seven-hour meeting, has led to the immediate resignation of seven board members in protest.
Supreme Court dismisses PIL demanding sexual crimes be made gender neutral
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a PIL demanding crimes such as rape, sexual harassment, outraging modesty, stalking, and voyeurism to be made gender neutral, saying it was Parliament to amend the law. “Legislations come as a response to social and collective cry. These sections are victim-oriented and Parliament has acknowledged a woman as the victim. We cannot ask Parliament to legislate,” a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said.
Actress allegedly harassed
Amala Paul, actress, who is in Chennai, filed a police complaint on Wednesday claiming that she was asked for a ‘sexual favour’ by an unidentified man when she was rehearsing for her upcoming show. After filing the police complaint, the actor spoke to reporters saying that she felt very unsafe after the man’s advances.
“When I had gone to do dance rehearsal, a man spoke to me unpleasantly, like he was conducting a trade. I was very shocked. I was very humiliated. That’s why I immediately came to complain to the police station. I’m going to Malaysia for an event. I went to dance practice for that event. While I was practising, he came inside. He spoke as though he was part of the event. He spoke to me like he was someone known at the event. He spoke to me personally when I was alone inside. That’s why I have complained. He has spoken like he was conducting a sexual trade, for a favour,” said Amala Paul.
Malayalam Actress allegedly harassed on train
Malayalam actress, Sanusha Santosh has revealed that she was sexually harassed on a train. As per reports, the actress was in a two-tier air-conditioned coach of the Maveli Express that follows the Mangaluru Central to Thiruvananthapuram route when the incident took place. Sanusha Santosh said that she was shocked to have opened her eyes and found a man rubbing his hand against her lips. The accused has been arrested.
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