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Eve Teasing Defined Simply, eve teasing is that act by ‘Adam’ excites and sexually harasses ‘Eve’. According to the description of Old Testament, ‘eve’ is Adam’s wife and the first woman & mother of the human race. So, teasing a woman/ female is called 'eve teasing'. Broadly speaking, eve teasing is a euphemism for sexual harassment or molestation of women in public places. It is an appalling act that imparts humiliation, panic, repulsion and helplessness in the victim.

What is eve-teasing?  Sexual harassment.  Street harassment.  Molestation of women by men.  Aggressive behavior by men. 3

STATISTICS

Statistics  In the past two years, at least 12 girls have committed suicide in circumstances stemming from “eve teasing”.  Between 2002 and 2009, there were over five thousand rape reported incidents.  Almost two thousand of those rapes were of girl children.  625 of the victims were killed after they were raped and 69 killed themselves. 5

How to make the social awareness !! 6  A massive sustained campaign by women’s organizations highlighting this evil must be initiated.  Students in colleges must specifically be counseled.  Debates on this issue must be organized in colleges, TV shows, etc., with responsible moderators — who would listen and reason an argument instead of sounding outright biased.  Cinema is a powerful medium to showcase this issue.

Role of Parents in Stopping Eve Teasing 7  Parents should make girl child comfortable enough that she can share anything with them.  If a girl has been harassed or been subject to molestation, the first place she would expect to be understood is her parents.  Parents should pay close attention to their teenage son, his activities and his friend circle.

For the girls………… Avoid seductive dresses…..!! 8

effects of eve-teasing  Leave deep psychological scars.  Mentally weak.  Disappointed.  Don’t get any family support.  Suicide attempt.  Ultimately they occur suicide. 9

INITIATIVE BY POLICE

Remedies of Eve Teasing 1.Social agents like family, peer groups, educational institutions and mass media must be amended; 2.Religious and moral education should be ensured; 3.Those who are frustrated/ drug addicted should be corrected under probation centre/ adolescent correction centre; 4. Proper socialization should be ensured; 5.Structural problems as mentioned before should be eliminated; 6.Dilemma of social system should be removed but a unique one be continued; and 7.Men should treat the eves as their own mother or sisters.

LEGAL PROVISIONS S294 IPC…against obscene act or song in public(3months) S354 IPC…assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty(2yrs) S509 IPC…word, gesture or act intending to insult the modesty of a woman(1yr)

 Cultural mindset about women  “Superiority” of men versus “inferiority” of women (both within private spaces like the family, and public spaces like the workplace)  “Public” domestic violence (“honour” killings, community courts)  Myth of male marginalisation used to support withdrawal of progressive legislation (like reservations)

15 For the boys…..just remember….