Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic / 2nd-8th December
Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic
Written by Nikunj Morarka
Policy and Legal Team
Sexual violence is a global pandemic. One in three women experience 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 sensitisation 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 2nd- 8th December 2017.
Matt Lauer to not get severance payment
Reports suggest that Matt Lauer, who was fired by NBC after allegations of sexual harassment were made against him, will not receive a severance payment. Sources inside NBC suggest that since he was fired for cause the company is within its right to withhold any severance payment. This is a stark contrast to Fox News which made multi-million dollar severance payments to both Roger Ailes and Bill O’Reilly, who were also fired for sexual harassment.
Hardik Patel accused of harassment
A woman in an anonymous complaint to the National Commission for Women has alleged that Gujarat political leader Hardik Patel has sexually exploited her. “A team from the NCW with chairperson Rekha Sharma will be heading to Surat tonight to meet a girl who, according to a complaint received by the NCW, is being sexually exploited by Hardik Patel,” a statement by the NCW said.
Trump endorses alleged child molester
After staying silent for days and hinting at an endorsement, President Donald Trump openly endorsed Alabama Senate Candidate Roy Moore in a tweet:
“Democrats’ refusal to give even one vote for massive Tax Cuts is why we need Republican Roy Moore to win in Alabama. We need his vote on stopping crime, illegal immigration, Border Wall, Military, Pro Life, V.A., Judges 2nd Amendment and more. No to Jones, a Pelosi/Schumer Puppet!”
Roy Moore has been accused of sexually harassing and assaulting young teenage girls including a 14 year old when he was in his 30s. Most republicans have denounced him and withdrawn their endorsement. Trump was also accused of sexual harassment by many women before he won the Presidential election.
Girl commits Suicide
A female student studying in the 12th standard in a Faridabad school committed suicide because of sexual harassment. She had made numerous complaints to her Principal about harassment by boys in the school but instead of helping her the Principal terminated her admission to the school. The Principal has now been booked along with three other students and they have been taken in for questioning.
Madhya Pradesh Child Rape Bill
The Madhya Pradesh assembly on Monday passed the Dand Vidhi (Madhya Pradesh Sanshodhan) Vidheyak, 2017 unanimously. The bill proposes the death penalty or a minimum term of 14-year rigorous imprisonment or life imprisonment till death for raping girls aged 12 or less. The minimum punishment increases to 20 years rigorous imprisonment for gang rape of girls aged 12 or less. This bill was passed after the latest NCRB data showed that Madhya Pradesh had the highest number of rape cases in India.
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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!
