more casual sex,, more risks

Madhavi Rajadhyaksha I TNN

Mumbai: Collegians today are more likely to have casual sex with friends, classmates, neighbours and relatives rather than visit commercial sex workers, according to a three-year study of male college students in Maharashtra.
Researcher Jayanta Kumar Basu of the Family Planning Association of India, who interviewed college students, observed that the proportion of students who had intercourse with CSW s declined from 23 % in 2004 to 3 % in 2008. During the same period, the percentage of students who had sex with friends and others increased from 11 % in 2004 to 16 % in 2008.
"Boys preferred friends to CSWs, as they had to spend less money on sex. They also perceived a much lower risk of contracting HIV with friends and others," said Basu.

The study surveyed students in leading colleges in seven districts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Thane and Nagpur, in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Over the years, the students seemed to be as sexually active as their seniors, and 36 % of boys and 11 % of girls admitted to being sexually active.

· Nearly 18% of the interviewees in 2006 and '08 admitted to being sexually active

· More than 36% of male students had non-penetrative sex with women, while 23% had penetrative sex

· First female partner was friend or classmate for 61% of students, neighbour for 17%, commercial sex worker for 12% and relative for 8%

· Most college-going boys in the state lose their virginity at 18.5 years

Basu considers the move towards casual sex "worrisome". Researchers learned during detailed discussions with the collegians that boys tended to disregard safety when they engaged in sex with friends and neighbours.

Fighting Violence Against Women

Posted On Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 06:13:38 PM
Mumbai Sheriff Dr Indu Shahani, along with Sachin Tendulkar launched 1298 Women’s resource directory at H R College, reports poulomi Chakravarty

Poulomi Chakravarty
According to the National Crime Record Bureau, every hour 18 women face violence, harassment and sexual abuse in the country. Mumbai’s contribution to all crimes against women in the state is the highest. The statistics are only an indicator as several crimes against women go unreported.To tackle this situation of violence against women, the Women’s Helpline ‘1298’, started by Dr Indu Shahani, was launched on January 28, 2008. The ‘1298’ Women’s Resource Directory, launched on September 9, is yet another committed effort to provide assistance to woman in need.

Sachin Tendulkar and Sheriff Dr Indu Shahani with at the launch“The Directory, with details of 75 women NGOs, is an effort to provide easy access to information and assistance for a woman in distress and will surely act as a bridge between victims and NGOs. This Directory provides a listing of 75 leading NGOs in Mumbai who work primarily with women and senior citizens. 

The Directory will be available in Marathi and English and will be distributed free of cost through Times Response offices across Mumbai. The student council of H R College along with the Rotaract Clubs will distribute the directory in areas spanning through Thane to Colaba,” says Shahani, principal of H R College.

There are nine categories based on which the NGO’s are listed — support for women in distress, counselling services, short stay homes/women’s hostels, legal support groups, support groups for alcohol and drugs rehabilitation, information and advocacy groups, support for senior citizens and help line for children.

“A women is the backbone of any family, and every man should respect her being. Violence against women is spread across all genres of the society, not just the poor. Most women are unable to contact authorities and fail to take proper action against harrassment. The special police helpline 103 along with this directory will be a ray of hope for all women across the city,” says Sachin Tendulkar, who released the directory.

The Women’s Resource Directory aims to help all women who are silently suffering atrocities. Help is just a phone call away as all the NGO’s are working 24/7 to provide assistance.“If you see a women being harassed on the road, make sure you call up the police helpline — 103. The police, by creating all the facilities for you, can help you only to a certain extent, but it cant take direct action if you don’t take the initiative,” concludes Shahani.poulomi.chakravarty@timesgroup.com



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