Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic/ 24th to 30th March 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 24th to 30th March 2018.

1. A 70-year-old former dean at Michigan State University charged with sexual misconduct 

The charges upon former supervisor of physician Larry Nassar, who has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing female gymnasts, emerged after the investigators received a tip during the probe at the center of the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal.

Strampel has been accused for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, making sexually suggestive comments on four female medical students, seeking sexual favours from the students in return of a free vacation and academic benefits, and receiving pornographic images of women “through threats and manipulation,” court documented.

2. “The Ren & Stimpy Show” maker John Kricfalusi accused of sexually harassing two women 

Robyn Byrd claims when she was 16, Kricfalusi molested her in his apartment at Los Angeles, gave her PTSD and pulled her into an abusive relationship. Kricfalusi’s attorney dismissed Byrd’s claims as the result of mental illness.

Also, Katie Rice, alleged that while she was a minor Kricfalusi sent ‘flirty letters’ to her and masturbated while the two were on the phone together. She claims, he continued to sexually harass her when she started working for him in 2000. Child porn has been found on his computer by her, including the photo of a 10-year-old naked girl.

3. A 36-year-old put behind the bars for sex crime

Devyn John Bockwitz received jail time for allegedly responding to an advertisement posted by local law enforcement on a social media platform. He is claimed to have sex-related conversation over text message with the poster, who is asserted to be a 15-year-old girl. Bockwitz was arrested when he arranged to meet in Bemidgi and have sex with a person he thought was a child.

4. The “American Idol” host accused of sexual harassment by his former personal stylist. 

Suzie Hardy, the former “E! News” stylist has laid charges against her earlier employer Ryan Seacrest of sexual assault and harassment. She contacted the LAPD and filed a police report and seeks real investigation, which was systematically flushed in earlier attempts.

“#MeToo” movement empowered her to come forward with the truth and has engulfed powerful men across society in harassment and abuse allegations.

5. A trans woman allegedly harassed by an NYPD officer 

Melanie Legend has claimed that during a traffic stop in April, 2016 DiCecco, an officer named “Cop of the Month” in 2012 for making a number of arrests, allegedly strip-searched her in the public. It is claimed, he put thumb in Legend’s waistband, brought her pants down on the road and made comments upon her name and body.

DiCecco is accused, in all, of abuse of authority, courtesy and using offensive language.

This article was first published on Safecity, as a part of the blogging team by Dimpey Tehlan