Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic /9th-15th September
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 9th to 15th September, 2017.
Medical superintendent sexually harasses officer, on the run
On the 10th of September, a female medical officer at Babu Jagjivan Ram hospital in northwest Delhi accused the hospital’s medical superintendent of sexual harassment. She alleged that the senior doctor would call her inside his room and have vulgar conversations. He also allegedly tried to touch her inappropriately. A case has been filed and the accused is on the run.
Female ONGC employee sexually harassed
A female employee of ONGC Videsh, the overseas investment arm of the government-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, who is a company secretary has accused her immediate boss of sexual harassment. In her complaint she alleged inappropriate touching and unreasonable demands by her boss. She claimed that he would make her stand in his office for hours for no reason and make her work at his desk so he could stare at her. The company has opened an investigation and the accused has filed his reply.
Indian harassed in Saudi Arabia comes home
Humeral Begum, the Indian woman who had alleged sexual harassment in Saudi Arabia where she worked as a domestic help for a promised 25,000 rupees a month has returned to India. Humera Begum told ANI that she was beaten up and tortured by her employers in Riyadh. “I was in a lot of trouble there. I was not even given food. They tortured me and beat me up. They didn’t let me talk to my sister back home. They did things like holding my hand when I served them food,” she said, adding, “I want to thank the Indian Embassy, it helped me a lot and brought me here.”
New York University sexual harassment scandal
Seven current and former faculty members of the Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department at the University of Rochester in New York along with a former graduate student have filed complaints against the University with the US government. They allege that Jaeger, a full professor in the department, sexually harassed graduate students and postdoctoral students and created a hostile work environment. They also alleged that the university retaliated against them after clearing the professor of the charges twice.
Studio owner harasses employees
Air Hollywood, an aviation studio and prop house, has been served a sexual harassment suit, alleging that the owner coerced female employees into pornographic shoots and would call them ‘whores’ and would try to hug and kiss them. Air Hollywood is headquartered in Los Angeles and provides airplane and airport terminal sets for use in feature films and TV shows.
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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!
