Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic/ July 8th-14th
Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic
Written by Adriana Rakshana
Edited by Soyra Gune and 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 8th to 14th July, 2017.
Delhi police data shows rise in reporting of rape cases
Data released by the Delhi police shows that the number of rapes reported each year in Delhi has more than tripled over the last five years. Government initiatives such as security systems and helplines have not been very effective. Funds allocated for improving safety of women have been underutilised as well. It is important to note that the increase in the number of cases does not necessarily imply an increase in the number of rapes; it can mean a greater willingness to approach authorities, as well as a greater propensity among police officials to register such complaints.
Mumbai police laughs off complaint of a woman being masturbated at
A woman was masturbated at on a train in Mumbai but railway police responded by laughing off her complaint. She recounted the incident on Facebook and the post has gone viral. In light of the brazen negligence, the Deputy Commissioner of Police is investigating the helpline that the call was made to.
Two minors and a woman raped in Delhi
Two minor girls and a mentally challenged women were allegedly raped in Delhi. One minor was raped by her father’s friend who lured her after dinner whereas the other minor was lured to a local gym with chocolate. The woman was raped by a cab driver who lured her to a remote location on the pretext of offering a her a job.
40 year old man rapes his daughter
A 40 year old man is arrested for allegedly raping his 10 year old step-daughter. He was caught red-handed when the victim’s mother came home. In a span of 10 months, this is the third incident of men being arrested on the charges of raping their daughters.
Actor arrested in actress rape case
After a four month investigation, actor Dileep has been arrested with regards to the abduction and assault of a Malayalam film actress. The actress was allegedly raped inside her moving car on February 18 while she was headed for Kochi.
Ugandan student escapes sexual assault
A 24 year old female student from Uganda escaped a sexual assault attempt by an unidentified man at her home in Tamil Nadu. The unidentified man allegedly entered into her house by breaking open the door and attempted to sexually assault her. The woman resisted and as soon as she screamed for help, the man fled the scene.
Army personnel assaults transgender person
A transgender person has lodged a complaint with the police that Army personnel have misbehaved and assaulted her. She was allegedly attacked by at least 10 Army men and the issue was brought to light on social media. Harassment of LGBTQ+ individuals is often not reported due to lack of proper legal protection.
Minor girl is brutally gang raped and murdered on her way back from school
A 16-year-old girl was gang-raped and brutally murdered in Shimla. The assailants allegedly strangled the girl to death after the gang-rape and also broke her hand and a leg. The girl was a class 10 student returning from school.
High Court denies rape survivor permission to abort
The Gujarat high court has denied a 19 year old rape survivor from terminating her pregnancy. The girl complained that she was “totally innocent and will have to face punishment for her entire life for the crime committed by someone else.” She urged the court for some sympathy but was denied her right to an abortion.
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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!
