Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic/ July 15th-21st
Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic
Written by Soyra Gune
Edited by Vandita 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 14th July to 21st July
Ten year old rape survivor denied abortion by Chandigarh District Court
In a shocking case, a ten year old girl was denied abortion after she was allegedly raped by her uncle. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 allows women to terminate pregnancies before 20 weeks. The survivor was denied an abortion as she was 30 weeks pregnant. Even if she appeals to a higher court, her appeal will most probably be rejected.
Student accuses Professor of Sexual Harassment
A PhD student has accused her professor in IIT Bhubaneshwar of sexually harassing her. The allegation was denied by the institution. The woman has also accused the professor of mentally harassing her and her husband.
Three arrested for rape of kabaddi athlete
Three men including a national level kabaddi coach have been arrested for the rape of a sixteen year old kabaddi athlete. The men assaulted her after they offered her a drink which made her unconscious.
Study says that 2 months period for rape cases not enough
A recent study has said that the 2 months given after a woman files a charge sheet is not enough to resolve rape cases. Section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has prescribed two months as the ideal amount of time needed to resolve rape cases. However, the report has stated that even the survivor’s deposition cannot be completed in two months.
Accused in Kothaki rape case killed
Two weeks after six men were accused of raping a sixteen year old girl in Kothaki, Shimla, the primary accused in the case has killed one of the other accused in the police station they were being held in. A mob rioted outside the police station after hearing about the murder and even managed to break into the police station.
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 vanditamorarka@gmail.com. We look forward to your inputs and feedback!