Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic /30th September – 6th October
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 news from the 30th September – 6th October, 2017.
Sexual Harassment cases rise in Banks
Data from Complykaro Services shows that 25 banks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) reported 210 sexual harassment cases in the last fiscal year which is an increase of 5% from 2015-16. ICICI Bank had the highest number of cases with 95 cases followed by Axis Bank with 32 cases. They believe this increase shows an increase in awareness among employees and a better redressal process by the banks.
New USC Dean fired
USC had fired its new dean, Rohit Varma, just before The Times was going to publish its report on him which found that he sexually harassed a young researcher in 2003 and reached an out-of-court settlement with her where he paid her 1,35,000 Dollars.
GUCCI employee sues for 10 Million dollars
A Gucci employee at a Chicago store has filed a 10 million dollar suit against Gucci. She alleged that the store manager sexually harassed her. It started with unwanted advances after which things escalated with him calling her by vulgar names, grabbing her private parts, trying to kiss her and exposing himself to her.
Poonam Mahajan on sexual harassment
Poonam Mahajan, BJP MP, said that she has faced sexual harassment like every other woman, she said that when she used to travel by train people would make crude comments about her and stare at her. She said, “I could not afford to travel by car at the time. But I did not feel self-pity that someone was looking at me in a disagreeable way. Every woman on this planet, especially in India, has faced that.” She encouraged women to be strong and not let these things come in their way. She also said, “If someone harasses you, slap him and don’t think why he did that.”
Lawyer harassed female Architect
A young female architect lodged a sexual harassment complaint at Vejalpur police station after a lawyer made unwanted sexual advances towards her. She had gone to the lawyer to get help in arranging bail for her husband who was accused in a rape case. The lawyer has denied the charges
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