Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic/8th to 13th 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 8th to 13th July 2018.

Study reveals an increase in the number of sexual assault reports during Pamplona’s bull-running festival San Fermin.

The study which was conducted by the Public University of Navarra, commissioned by the Pamplona city council indicated a substantial increase in the number of assault charges. They have considered the increased reporting as a step in the positive direction but it has come at a great price. In 2008, the year Nagore Laffage was raped and murdered by a man —was the first time, two victims gathered courage to come forward.

Gender inequality and the primordial patriarchal culture are highlighted as potential causes of the assault.

Saudi woman was threatened to stop driving as it was against the will of God

Salma al Shar began driving as soon as the conservative nation lifted its ban on women driving last month. She was repeatedly threatened and harassed by young men from her village in Mecca. Despite their threats, the brave lady continued enjoying her newly attained faction of freedom.The hooligans then resorted to setting her car on fire.

FIFA warns broadcasters about handpicking and shooting ‘hot women’ at World Cup

In a push to tackle sexism in football, which has become extremely prevalent during the entire course of FIFA World Cup, broadcasters have been given a stern warning by FIFA ahead of the final.

Multiple cases of female reporters being groped and kissed by male fans during live broadcasts have been observed and caused concern among the International Community. Anti-discrimination group Fare Network has been working to monitor discriminatory behaviour around World Cup games.

According to the group’s executive director Piara Powar, they have “documented more than 30 cases” of women, mainly Russians, being “accosted in the streets” by male fans.

Women refuse drinking water during a heatwave to avoid sexual assault

In an urban slum in India’s capital Delhi, women are fearful to urinate as they fear abuse. Around 524 million Indians defecate in the open every day according to the UN figures. A number of women face lewd remarks, harassment, and stares from local boys when they go out in the open to defecate. They therefore intentionally dehydrate themselves which may lead to a number of serious health complications. It is observed that even the traditional Indian attire – a six-yard- (5-metre)-long sari wrapped several times around the body – can turn into a heat trap for some women. It has become extremely essential to proper sanitation facilities to the people.

A police officer resigns for failing to help a woman who was being harassed for wearing a Puerto Rico flag shirt

Mia Irizarry was setting up a picnic in the park in Chicago to celebrate her 24th birthday. A man, who has since been identified as Timothy Trybus, approached her and demanded to know why she was wearing her shirt, which also had the words “Puerto Rico” written on it. He then went on to yell at her, threaten and harass her. She requested an onlooking Officer for help and when the policeman did nothing, she again requested help. The officer was condemned for his actions and asked to resign by the Department.