Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic/20th to 26th 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 20th to 26th May 2018.

1. Sweden recognised nonconsensual sex as rape

A law has been passed by the Swedish Parliament requiring explicit consent — verbal or physical — from participants before they engage in a sexual act which comes into effect on July 1. It is hoped that other European countries will also strengthen rape legislation after the #MeToo anti-harassment campaign.

2. Equal justice demanded by South Korean women for internet sex crimes amid ‘spy-cam porn epidemic’

A demand made by thousands of women on the streets for fair investigation of digital sex crimes involving hidden cameras. The protest sparked after unequal treatment by the police in a case involving a female model allegedly photographing a male colleague naked without his knowledge and uploading the picture online. In the recent South Korean history the event is reportedly one of the largest female protests.

3. Harvey Weinstein, charged with rape, criminal sex act surrenders to NYPD

Film producer Harvey Weinstein, 66, reportedly surrendered to authorities on sex crime charges after scores of women accused him of misconduct under #MeToo anti-harassment Campaign. He has been accused of making use of his power, money and position to decoy young women into situations where he was able to violate them sexually.

4. Professor molests student at his office.

A Professor of a renowned engineering college in Mumbai has been accused of allegedly molesting a 25-year-old student when she went at his office to get his signature on a form. She was asked to stay quiet about the incident as he would pass her in the mathematics paper, if not he would fail her. The college’s committee is set to inquire into the case.

5. Rape attempt of 4-year-old minor

Shahnawaz, 22, allegedly tried to rape a four-year-old girl in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. He reportedly fled from the scene when the victim’s family reached his residence on hearing her cry. The police is on the look out for him. The accused is charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act.

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