sexual violence

Gender equality is a priority for the European Union

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Gender equality is a priority for the European Union

The European Union prioritizes gender equality, with the principle of equal pay for men and women established in 1957. Despite progress, inequalities persist, such as the 13% gender pay gap in 2021. Women are underrepresented in decision-making roles, particularly in the European Parliament. Violence against women is a serious issue, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence. The EU has taken steps to address gender disparities, including mandatory data disclosure to reveal pay gaps and rules against violence, such as cyber violence and female genital mutilation. The EU has ratified the Istanbul Convention to protect women from all forms of violence.

How should fans respond to musical abusers?

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How should fans respond to musical abusers?

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs settled a lawsuit brought against him by his then girlfriend Cassandra Ventura, accusing him of sexual and physical violence over more than a decade.

EU’s Borrell says some European countries are trying to intimidate ICC judges

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EU’s Borrell says some European countries are trying to intimidate ICC judges

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged some European countries to stop intimidating International Criminal Court judges over a case against Israeli leaders. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan filed for arrest warrants against Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders. Israel denies committing war crimes in Gaza and has called the ICC politically motivated. Several countries, including the United States, have denounced the ICC prosecutor’s decision. Spain, Norway, and Ireland announced they will recognize an independent Palestinian state. Borrell stated that supporting Palestinian state-building should not be considered antisemitic.

Harvey Weinstein, ’s conviction overturned by top NY court

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Harvey Weinstein, ’s conviction overturned by top NY court

New York’s highest court overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 sex crimes conviction due to critical mistakes made by the trial judge. The court ruled that allowing testimony from women who were not part of the charges and cross-examining Weinstein in a prejudicial manner was an abuse of judicial discretion. The decision calls for a new trial.

Primary school sexual violence case reported to parliament

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Primary school sexual violence case reported to parliament

A 10-year-old student was the tragic protagonist of an extreme case of sexual violence in a primary school reported to the Education Committee of the Parliament. The incident was discussed during a session on misconduct in schools attended by the Ministers of Justice and Education. It was highlighted that primary school students often strip or intimidate their classmates, with drugs circulating in school yards. The responsibility to address these issues lies with the Police, especially when educators fail to report incidents. The Justice Minister mentioned a transitional solution for detaining juvenile offenders until 2026 and emphasized the implementation of the law of 2021, which includes sending young individuals to therapeutic programs. The Education Minister noted the difference between violence/bullying and sexual abuse in schools, urging educators and children to break their silence on the latter. The Police reported a decrease in registered cases involving individuals under 18 from 496 in 2021 to 393 in 2023.

Ukrainian lawmakers approve first reading of army service for convicts

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Ukrainian lawmakers approve first reading of army service for convicts

Ukrainian lawmakers approved a bill allowing convicts to serve in the military to replenish troops exhausted from the war with Russia. Those convicted of serious crimes would not be eligible. Another bill imposing fines for failing to follow mobilisation rules was also passed. The number of additional military personnel that could join if the bills become law is unclear. Lawmakers are working to prevent corruption in the convicts bill. The final readings of the bills are still pending, with a vote expected soon. Ukraine’s parliament is also amending the army mobilisation process to increase its capability to call up new servicemen due to a lack of volunteers and draft evasion during the ongoing war.

Hamas had instructions to use sexual violence as a weapon, Israeli lawyer tells Phileleftheros

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Hamas had instructions to use sexual violence as a weapon, Israeli lawyer tells Phileleftheros

An Israeli former Hamas hostage from the October 7 attack spoke out about the sexual violence and torture she endured. A UN report confirmed Israel’s allegations of ongoing sexual violence by Hamas. The victims of the attack are in the process of healing and dealing with their trauma. The Israeli government developed programmes to help survivors of the attack. Feminist organizations worldwide did not provide sufficient support to Israeli women who were victims of sexual violence. Israeli women did not receive necessary international support due to antisemitism and ignorance. It is crucial for women to stand united and demand justice for sexual violence in wartime. The Israeli army has been accused of sexual assaults against Palestinian women, but there is no evidence to justify the allegations. Hostages still in Hamas’s hands are subjected to sexual assaults, isolation, and poor living conditions.