sexual

The ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has given rise to a staggering humanitarian crisis, underscored by an alarming surge in sexual violence against women and children. Recent statistics reveal that over 67,000 cases of rape and sexual assault were documented in just the first quarter of 2025. How did we arrive at such a harrowing juncture? In this heart-wrenching context, nearly 500 incidents of sexual abuse are reported weekly, involving more than 150 children. The sheer numbers are not…

The Unsettling Reality of Activism: A Tale from Tanzania On a fateful day, Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan counterpart Boniface Mwangi stepped into the vibrant yet tumultuous atmosphere of Dar es Salaam. Anticipating their participation in the first court appearance of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, neither expected the harrowing experience that awaited them. As they stood before the media in Nairobi on June 2, 2025, the shadows of their ordeal loomed large over their…

In a recent appearance at Southwark Crown Court, British actor and comedian Russell Brand pleaded not guilty to a series of serious allegations, including rape and sexual assault involving four women over two decades ago. Mr. Brand, once one of the UK's most prominent broadcasters, firmly denied all five criminal charges brought against him. At 49 years old, Mr. Brand has consistently rejected claims of non-consensual sexual activity since the initial allegations surfaced two years ago. As he stated, “It's vital to stand…

Online influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate are currently facing multiple charges in England, according to prosecutors. Andrew Tate is confronted with ten serious accusations, including rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution for gain, all pertaining to three alleged victims. As the Crown Prosecution Service stated, "We can confirm that we have authorised charges against Andrew and Tristan Tate for offences including rape, human trafficking, controlling prostitution and actual bodily harm…

A French court has sentenced former surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec to the maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the sexual abuse of hundreds of patients, predominantly children, over a period spanning more than two decades. Throughout the three-month trial, which took place in Vannes, Brittany, the extensive nature of Le Scouarnec’s crimes and the profound suffering endured by his victims became painfully apparent. This case also raises critical questions about the systemic failures that allowed such egregious acts to…

Pop singer Dawn Richard took the witness stand once again in Sean "Diddy" Combs' ongoing sex trafficking trial. Last week, she shared gripping accounts with the jury, detailing years of alleged physical and emotional abuse inflicted by the hip-hop mogul on his then-girlfriend. Ms. Richard, who gained fame as a member of the pop group Danity Kane, recounted a harrowing incident that occurred at Mr. Combs' Los Angeles residence in 2009. She described how he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, dragging her…

The Nigerian Senate has made headlines with its recent decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. This incident has stirred controversy, as she stands among the very few women in the 109-seat chamber. Her suspension followed accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for sexual assault, a claim that has reverberated throughout the political landscape. The ethics committee of the Senate dismissed her allegations based on procedural errors. Their recommendation for her suspension came not…

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deteriorated into chaos as conflicts flare between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels. This escalation has forced nearly 80,000 individuals to flee to neighboring countries, a grim statistic reported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). What's more, in just a fortnight at the end of February, over 800 cases of rape were documented by humanitarian organizations, underscoring a horrifying trend of violence against civilians. These acts of…

In a significant development, a woman who accused hip-hop icons Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jay-Z of sexual assault when she was just 13 years old has voluntarily dropped her civil lawsuit. This decision comes as a surprise, given the gravity of the allegations and the media attention they've attracted. Court records reveal that the lawsuit was dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be filed again in the future. The initial claims, lodged in December, suggested that the renowned artists had assaulted her at a party held…

A French prosecutor is calling for a harsh 20-year prison sentence for Dominique Pelicot, who orchestrated the horrifying mass rape of his own wife over nearly a decade. He allegedly drugged her into unconsciousness and then filmed and photographed the assaults. Mr. Pelicot, now 71 years old, has confessed to the charges during a trial that has captivated audiences worldwide. This case goes beyond the courtroom; it serves as a stark reflection on the widespread issue of sexual violence, both in France and around the globe.…