Gender and Sexual Violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gender and Sexual Violence - Essay Example Stotzer (p. 172) discusses that according to surveys of transsexuals, there seems to a significant number of sexual assault incidents, including rape, especially for the younger transsexuals. The most common forms of violence against transsexuals include unwanted sexual activity with about 60% of these incidents being forced intercourse (Stotzer, p. 172). These transsexuals are often victims due to their perceived non-conformity to the standards of society. The motivation for these sexual assaults includes hatred and negative attitudes towards the transgenders (Stotzer, p. 172). Victims are quick to declare that they are often victims of sexual assault or rape and mostly due to homophobia and hate. They also feel that they are often victims of sexual assault because of their gender identity, their gender expression, and their transgender status (Stotzer, p. 172). Abuse is also often carried out by various people, mostly strangers. Police officers, parents, siblings, neighbors, friend s, and other relatives are also often the perpetrators of the abuse (Stotzer, p. 173). Most acts of violence include sexual assaults, harassment, and in some cases, muggings. Unfortunately, some are carried out by persons known to the victim (Stotzer, p. 174). Some of these offenders include fathers, stepfathers, mothers, stepmothers, current spouse/partners, brother, siblings, or a former spouse or partner (Stotzer, p. 174). Other perpetrators not closely known to victims include landlords, tenants, ‘pick-ups,’ security personnel, and in some cases, service providers. Murphy (p. 7) further discusses that violence against lesbians and gays are the most apparent dangers which these individuals face. However, they are also likely to face structural violence and episodic violence. Structural violence against gay men is often caused by heteroxism which basically embodies a system that degrades homosexuals for their behavior and their identity (Murphy, p. 7). Psychological h eteroxism is often linked with individuals’ attitudes and behaviors and cultural heteroxism often refers to their societal customs and institutions, including their religion and laws (Murphy, p. 7). The cultural heteroxism is the most common cause for violence as it can also lead to discrimination against these lesbians and gays in their housing and employment. Murphy (p. 7) cites the cases of Margarethe Cammemeyer, a military veteran who was dismissed from the army after years of exemplary service to her country; also the case of Sherry Barone who faced opposition from a cemetery who refused to include the epitaph ‘life partner’ on the headstone of her deceased partner (Murphy, p. 7). More indirect incidents of discrimination are perpetuated against gays and lesbians; and those who often decide to reveal their sexuality end up being dismissed, demoted from their work or driven out of their homes. The causes of gender violence seem to stem from preconceived notio ns and assumptions of gender. Specifically, these assumptions are based on the expectations for each gender which often refer to extremely different behavior, mostly referring to dominant males and subordinate females (Perry, p. 417). Violence is considered to be a way by which males can impose their authority and dominance over women; and it seems to be expected for men to enforce such violence in order to keep women in line (Perry, p. 417).

Understanding and interpreting financial data Coursework

Understanding and interpreting financial data - Coursework Example The vast competition and globalization that businesses face today means necessary steps to ensure continuous growth must be put in place. One method of doing this is the analysis of financial ratios. In this case, Bravo Ltd can obtain financial ratios using their latest financial statements and comparing the results with a competing business within the same industry. Alternatively, a business with the best business practice and a good track record is chosen as a benchmark for Bravo Ltd's improvement.It is a tool for interpreting the financial statements to assess financial and management performance. There are several types of financial ratios available that will benefit Bravo Ltd: Liquidity Ratios, Asset Management Ratios, Profitability Ratios and Gearing Ratios. Each ratio is measured differently and used according to the necessary analysis needed. This measures the ability of Bravo Ltd to meet its short-term financial liabilities as they fall due. It is of particular interest if Bravo Ltd wishes to extend its short-term credit facilities. There are two kinds of Liquidity Ratio - Current Ratio and Quick Ratio.Stocks are excluded in the calculation because stocks may include items that have uncertain liquidation values. Ideally, a ratio of 2 is considered safe for the former while a ratio below 1 is recommended for the latter.This measures how well Bravo Ltd utilizes its assets for the benefit of its business. Having a sound ratio will ensure that Bravo Ltd is better received by would-be investors. We will look at Inventory Turnover, Receivables Turnover, Average Collection Period and Fixed Asset Turnover. Inventory Turnover = Cost of Goods Sold / Inventory Receivables Turnover = Credit Sales / Accounts Receivables Average Collection Period = 365 / Receivables Turnover Fixed Asset Turnover = Sales / Fixed Assets Generally, a high turnover ratio is preferred. 2.3 Profitability Ratio There are several ratios available that can measure the ability of Bravo Ltd to generate profits from its sales. These include Gross Profit Margin, Return on Assets and Return on Equity. Gross Profit Margin = (Sales - Cost of Goods Sold) / Sales Return on Assets = Net Income / Total Assets Return on Equity = Net Income / Shareholders' Equity A good profit margin is essential in any form of business to ensure there is always enough cash to run its operations. Thus, it is also important that receivables are collected on a timely basis. 2.4 Gearing Ratio This assesses the financial risk of Bravo Ltd. A high gearing ratio poses risks if Bravo Ltd is unable to meet its financial obligations as this can very well lead to bankruptcy. Therefore, it is important that this is constantly monitored. The ratio is used is Debt to Equity Ratio. 3 FINDINGS RATIO 2007 ('000) 2008 ('000) Working Result Working Result Current Ratio 1770 / 560 3.16 2490 / 840 2.96 Quick Ratio 1770 - 930 / 560 1.50 2490 - 1250 / 840 1.48 Inventory Turnover 3020 / 1770 1.71 4550 / 2490 1.83 Receivables Turnover 4940 / 820 6.02 6850 / 1230 5.57 Average Collection Period 365 / 6.02 60 Days 365 / 5.57 66 Days Fixed Asset Turnover 4940 / 2600 1.90 6850 / 3210 2.13 Gross Profit Margin 1920 / 4940 39% 2300 / 6850 34% Return on Assets 460 / 4370 11% 450 / 5700 8% Return on Equity 460 / 3810 12% 450 / 4860 9% Debt to Equity 560 / 3810 15% 840 / 4860 17% Our findings show that Bravo Ltd has a good Liquidity Ratio. Its Current Ratio is 2.96 (3.16 in 2007) and its Quick Ratio is 1.48 (1.50 in 2007). This means Bravo Ltd is more than able to generate enough cash to settle its short-term liabilities. There has only been a slight change in its Liquidity Ratio over two years. As a guide, a current