Sexual Violence : A Global Pandemic/3rd February to 9th 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 3rd February to 9th February 2018.
Female politician accused of sexual harassment
Cristina Garcia, a Democratic Assemblywoman and head of the Legislative Women’s Caucus has been accused of sexual harassment by a male staffer, she allegedly stroked Daniel Fierro’s back, squeezed his buttocks and attempted to touch his crotch in the dugout of an amateur softball game in 2014. Daniel Fierro said he failed to report it at the time, but in January told his former boss, Democratic Assemblyman Ian Calderon, who in turn reported it to Assembly leaders. Ms Garcia is now being investigated.
Sexual harassment during pilgrimage
After a Pakistani woman detailed her account about how she had been harassed while in the Saudi Arabian city, others have felt inspired to follow in her footsteps. A majority describe being touched inappropriately or harassed while performing ‘tawaf’, the key pilgrimage ritual of circling the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam, inside the Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām mosque.
Guess investigating CEO accused of harassment
Guess on Friday said it formed a special committee to oversee an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and other improper conduct by Paul Marciano, the specialty apparel retailer’s CEO. Marciano has feverishly denied those allegations ever since actress and brand model Kate Upton last week called out the co-founder for allegedly using “his power in the industry to sexually and emotionally harass women.” Guess has said it won’t “condone such misconduct in any form,” and has brought on law firms O’Melveny & Myers and Glaser Weil to assist. The company has promised “an extensive and impartial investigation into all of the facts.”
Steve Wynn resigns
Billionaire casino magnate Steve Wynn stepped down as CEO of Wynn Resorts.
Wynn, who has donated millions to the Republican Party, was accused of sexual misconduct by several people who have worked at his Las Vegas casinos, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal in late January. The article detailed a pattern of behavior that spans decades and included accusations by employees that they were coerced by him to perform sex acts.
Indian Venture Capitalist accused of sexual harassment
The Mumbai Police today arrested venture capital investor Mahesh Murthy for allegedly sending obscene messages to women. The police arrested the investor after a woman entrepreneur from Delhi approached the Delhi Police. Confirming the development, the National Commission for Women said that the arrest was made after its intervention following the case of the woman who approached them. Murthy has denied 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!
