Samba singer Adriana Araújo, a traditional samba dancer in Belo Horizonte, used social media to warn her fans about sexual harassment. The singer said she was a victim of this type of violence last weekend, during performances in the capital of Minas Gerais. Adriana was born in Pedreira Prado Lagoas, in the Lagoinha region, the birthplace of samba in the city.
“I had surgery. I had silicone implants, liposuction, abdominoplasty. I don’t know what’s going through some people’s heads. Just because I had surgery doesn’t mean they can touch me, hit my ass,” said the artist in a video published on your Instagram profile.
See video:
Adriana said that the behavior of some fans made her uncomfortable during the presentation. “Something that has never happened in my life, this is very invasive,” she continued. The artist compared the episode experienced to that faced by a person who is a victim of racism. “You know when someone suffers racism and doesn’t react? I felt like that too”, she exemplified.
The samba singer asked her fans not to repeat the gestures in future performances. “I don’t want people to cross the line thinking that because I had surgery I’m going to be someone’s handrail or tambourine. I had the surgery for myself, for my mental health, to look in the mirror and feel good, confident and secure in my role” , concluded.
Rape, sexual harassment or harassment? Know how to differentiate crimes
Delegate Karine Tassara, head of the Specialized Police Station for Women’s Assistance in Belo Horizonte, explains the difference between the crimes of rape, sexual harassment and harassment.
Rape
- According to Tassara, rape is the act of forcing someone, through violence or serious threat, to have sexual intercourse or to perform another libidinous act. “In rape, we have conduct that restricts the victim’s freedom in a violent and serious way. It is a more serious crime than sexual harassment”, says the delegate.
- Pity: 6 to 10 years in prison. But, if the rape results in serious bodily harm, or the victim is between 14 and 18 years old, the sentence is 8 to 12 years. If the victim dies as a result of rape, the sentence will range from 12 to 30 years.
Sexual harassment
- “It is the practice, without consent, of a libidinous act against someone with the aim of satisfying their sexual pleasures or those of third parties. We can mention the famous encoxada, the stolen kiss, touching private parts, all of this is a crime”, informs the delegate.
- Pity: from one to 5 years of imprisonment, with a possible increase depending on the severity of the case. “It is important to remember that if the suspect is arrested in the act for sexual harassment, there is no bail at the police station. The suspect will be sent to the prison system until the custody hearing, when the judge will determine whether he will be detained”, explains Tassara.
Sexual harassment
- The delegate states that, in this case, there is a specific characteristic of the crime. “The aggressor must be a hierarchical superior or have some working relationship with the victim. For example, a boss makes advances against his subordinate with the aim of obtaining sexual advantage or favor, and the victim is embarrassed because she needs that work. This is sexual harassment,” she says. It is also harassment when the crime happens between colleagues with the same role.
- Pity: from one to 2 years. If the victim is a minor, the sentence is increased by up to a third.
Learn how to ask for help
- Call 180 – For guidance to women in situations of violence and reporting
- Call 190 – If you hear screams or sounds of fighting and for emergencies
- Call 192 – For medical emergencies
- Dial 100 – For cases of attacks on children and the elderly
- Public Defender’s Office Specialized in Defending the Rights of Women in Situations of Violence (Nudem-BH). Contact by email at [email protected] or by telephone: (31) 98475-2616 / 98464-3597/ 98239-8863 / 98306-1247
- Specialized Women’s Service Stations: 3330-5752
- Benvinda Specialized Women’s Service Center: (31) 98873-2036/ [email protected]
- Risoleta Neves Service Center (Cerna): (31) 3270-3235 / 3270-3296
- Tina Martins Women’s Reference House: (31) 3658-9221 or by email at [email protected]
- Public Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Combating Domestic and Family Violence against Women (31) 3337-6996/ [email protected]
Source: Municipal Secretariat of Social Assistance, Food Security and Citizenship of BH
