Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic/13th to 19th May 2018

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 news from 13th to 19th May 2018.

1) A 34-year old step-father found guilty for attempted child molestation and confinement

Robert D. Coleman, a 34-year old, was found guilty of attempting child molestation and confinement of his step-daughters, by a panel of 12 members at the Madison County Circuit Court. The next hearing has been scheduled for June 12, till then he will be held behind bars without bond. Four other accusations were applied by the victims, for which the jury did not deem the convict guilty.

2) Defective judgement of Pope Francis revolted by thirty four bishops

Thirty one serving bishops and three retiring bishops from Chile signed a resignation letter as an act of revolt against the errors of defect and negligence in the judgement of sexual abuse cases by Pope Francis. The Pope accepted the allegations in a three-day summit held in Rome, before the bishops. He was accused of destroying evidence and suppressing investigators.

3) Victims’ protection at stake: Mumbai Court and Jain Committee protect the accused instead

Two male caretakers of a hostel of Jain Mandir were accused of sexually assaulting two minors residing in the same hostel. However, when they were arrested following the accusations, the members of Jain management committee threatened the two victims to remain mum and moreover, filed an Anticipatory Bail Application (ABA), following which the accused were provided an interim bail by Bombay High Court.

4) University of Saskatchewan punishes volleyball coach for supporting sexual assault assailant

Brian Gavlas, Huskies volleyball coach of the University of Saskatchewan, was fired by the university on the account of recruiting a sexual assault assailant, who was currently on bail and bore charges of sexual assault. As per the coach’s account, being in such a position, he stated that, people like him had to give opportunity for growth and improvement to the teenagers.

5) Sexual assault convict’s imprisonment decision being reviewed by High Court judge

Christopher Davidson, a 21 year old, former student of Dalhousie University, was found guilty of sexual assault and unlawful confinement of a fellow female student in the campus dormitory in 2015. The victim reported entering the room willfully, but indulgence into sexual intercourse without her consent. The Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge Glen McDougall reserved his decision following the victim’s statement and the lawyer’s factual presentations.

This article was first published on Safecity, as a part of the blogging team by Vrishti Kapoor.