Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic/22nd to 28th July 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 22nd to 28th July 2018.

1. Supreme court says: Can’t remain oblivious to ban on entry of women into Sabarimala temple

The Supreme Court on Thursday said irrespective of the submissions that Lord Ayyappa of the Sabarimala temple has “celibate character”, it cannot remain “oblivious” of the fact that the entry of women in the age group of 10-50 was barred on “physiological ground” of menstruation.

The apex court said women’s right to worship is a constitutional one and it does not depend on laws. The court questioned the basis on which entry was denied and reaffirmed that temple is a public place and everyone is allowed to go there. “If men can go there, women can also go,” said CJI Dipak Misra.

2. Young girl bleeds to death in Somalia after mutilation practice.

A 10-year-old girl has bled to death after undergoing female genital mutilation in Somalia, an activist said, a rare confirmed death in the country with the world’s highest rate of the practice.

The father of a 10-year-old girl who died after undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somalia has defended the practice. While Somalia’s constitution prohibits the practice, activist said no laws have been enacted to ensure that those who perform the circumcisions are punished.

3. Les Moonves dubbed “Wall Street Hero” faces assault charges

Les Moonves, chairman and C.E.O. of CBS Corporation,who oversees shows ranging from “60 Minutes” to “The Big Bang Theory” and one of the highest-paid corporate executives in the world face Allegations of Sexual Misconduct.

I recognize that there were times decades ago when I may have made some women uncomfortable by making advances. Those were mistakes, and I regret them immensely.

4. Women’s panel recommends to abolish confessions

The recommendation comes against the backdrop of a scandal in a Kerala Church where a woman was raped and blackmailed by four priests for 20 years.”The practice of ‘confession’ should be abolished as it can lead into blackmailing women,” the NCW team recommended in its report.

“The priests pressure women into telling their secrets and we have one such case in front of us, there must be many more such cases and what we have right now is just a tip of the iceberg,” noted NCW chairperson.

5. Arrest of two Vancouver area police officers in Cuba

Two B.C. police officers who’ve been detained in Cuba for months are now facing jail time. Sources say the Vancouver Police Department officer is facing a sex assault charge over an alleged incident with a 17-year-old Canadian girl while the Port Moody officer is charged with being an accessory to the alleged sex assault.

 This article was first published on Safecity  as a part of the blogging team by Blessy Varghese.