2. SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST WOMEN
What is it?
An unwanted sexual act done by one person to
another.
There does not have to be any physical injury.
Force, threats, intimidation or coercion to engage in
sexual activity that is undesired may be sexual assault.
The Supreme court of India defined sexual
Harrassment as any unwelcome sexually determined
behaviour.
3. Signs of Sexual assault
• Forcing someone to have sex after being hurt either
physically or emotionally
• Forcing into prostitution
• Forcing someone to have sexual relations with other
people
• Forcing someone to participate in any sexual act in which
you are not comfortable
• Forcing someone to look,act or pose for pornography.
• Obscence gestures
• Pressure for dates/sexual favors
• Gender based insults or taunting
• Sexually explicit telephone calls or emails
• Sexual and unfriendly remarks
4. Types of Sexual abuse
1.Rape
2.Sexual assault witnin marriage
3.Prostitution and trafficking
4.Pornography
5.Sexual harrassment at workplace
5. 1.Rape
Rape can occur anywhere, even in the family, where
it can take the form of marital rape or incest.
It occurs in the community, where a woman can fall
prey to any abuser.
It also occurs in situations of armed conflict and in
refugee camps.
6.
7. 2.Sexual assault within marriage
Sexual assault within marriage is included under this
category because it is the act which include forced
intercourse with the female partner.
8. 3.Prostitution and trafficking
Many women are forced into prostitution either by their
parents, husbands or boyfriends—or as a result of the
difficult economic and social conditions in which they find
themselves.
9. 4.Pornography
Another concern highlighted is pornography, which
represents a form of violence against women that
"glamorizes the degradation and maltreatment of
women’’.
10. 5.Sexual harassment at workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a growing
concern for women. Employers abuse their authority
to seek sexual favours from their female co-workers or
subordinates, sometimes promising promotions or
other forms of career advancement.
11. It can occur in many forms- two main categories are:
1.Quid pro quo harassment means that an employer
or another person in authorithy suggests to an
employee that he will give her this job or promotion
or salary in return for that sexual favor.(This for
that)
2.Hostile environment harassment is more subtle
, ambiguous & pervasive & includes all other forms of
welcome and offensive conduct.
14. Some Myths
1.Myth
Women cannot be raped by men they know.
Reality
The majority of sexual assaults are committed by
men against women they know. It does not matter
how well you know someone, if you do not want to
have sexual contact with him and he makes you, he
has sexually assaulted you.
15. 2.Myth
Sexual assaults only happen in “bad” areas and at night.
Reality
Sexual assaults can happen anywhere and at anytime.
More than half of sexual assaults take place in someone’s
home. Men who sexually assault women do not
discriminate about where they assault them.
16. 3.Myth
Elderly women and women with disabilities do not
get Raped.
Reality
Sexual assault is a gender-based attack and does not
discriminate based on age, race, religion, sexual
orientation, profession and/or ability. Sexual assault
is rooted in power and control, not sex.
17.
18.
19. LEGAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN AGAINST
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
According to the Indian constitution, sexual harassment
infringes the fundamental right of a woman to gender equality
under Article 14, 15 and her right to life and live with dignity
under Article 21.
In 1997, the Supreme Court of India in a Public Interest
Litigation, defined sexual harassment at workplace, preventive
measures and redress mechanism.
The judgement is popularly known as Vishaka Judgement.
In April 2013, India enacted its own law on sexual harassment
in the workplace - The Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
20.
21. NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR
WOMEN
Generation of legal awareness among women thus
equipping them with the knowledge of their legal rights
and with a capacity to use these rights.
Complaints and Investigation cell
Women Helpline Number : 1091
National Women Helpline Number : 181
22.
23. Creating Awareness in society
Violent protest
Silent protest
Music demonstration
Street plays
Dramas
Flash mobs
24.
25. CHALLENGES AHEAD
• Providing free education for girl child in rural and
remote areas.
• Mass awareness towards rights and entitlements.
• The state and government should make gender
sensitive laws and policies.
• One of the most urgent needs is to change the
mindset of people and the society.