Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic / 4th- 10th November
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 4th- 10th November 2017.
US Senate candidate had relations with 14 year old
Roy Moore, Senate candidate for the United States Senate, has been accused of sexual harassment of underage girls. He has been accused of kissing and inappropriate touching by women who were underage at the time of the incident. The Washington Post report names a girl on the record who alleges that Roy Moore tried to have sexual relations with her when she was 14 years old and he was 33 years old. Moore has denied the charges and while most of the Republican party leaders have called on him to step down from the race he has refused to do that.
Louis CK masturbated in front of colleagues.
Famous comedian Louis CK has been accused of sexual harassment by at least 5 women. Two upcoming female comedians who were invited to party by Louis in his hotel room accused him of taking off his clothes and masturbating in front of them. His upcoming film release has been suspended indefinitely and HBO has cut all ties with him. Women who made these accusations showed the New York Times messages they received from him later apologising for his conduct. Louis CK has accepted that the stories are true.
Sexual Harassment Fallout
Kevin Spacey has reportedly been removed from House of Cards and any new season will not involve him. He will also be replaced in a movie for which he had already shot his scenes. There are also reports that charges may soon be filed against Harvey Weinstein and he may be put behind bars soon.
Bangladeshi sentenced to life imprisonment
A Bangladeshi man who raped a 71 year old nun in March 2015 has been sentenced to life in prison. Five other men were sentenced to ten years imprisonment for robbery during the assault. Another man was given a six year sentence for harbouring the culprits. The gang had attacked the nun’s convent which had sparked mass protests.
BMC engineer accused of rape
Kasarwadavli police has arrested a BMC junior engineer who allegedly raped his junior. The alleged victim has accused the engineer of spiking her cold drinks and then assaulting her after which he declared he was her husband and took pictures to blackmail her. He also raped her during a trip to Rajasthan but from June he started avoiding her and threatened to defame her if she spoke out.
Connect with us?
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!
