Introduction

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell of RCMAS is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful environment where all individuals can learn, work and thrive free from harassment and discrimination. Cell is committed to raising awareness, providing education and fostering a culture of respect and accountability. The cell exists to combat this problem through education, advocacy and support. 

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected and that positive change begins with awareness and action.

Vision

• To create a safe, secure and dignified environment free from sexual harassment for all members of the institution (students, faculty, staff and visitors).
• To foster a culture of zero tolerance toward any form of sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination.

Mission

• To prevent, address and redress instances of sexual harassment within the institution, creating a safe, respectful and gender-sensitive environment for all members.

Objectives:

The Anti Sexual Harassment Cell of RCMAS operates with specific, measurable objectives to fulfill its mission:

• Zero Tolerance Implementation
  To establish and enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment, making it clear that such behavior will not be accepted under any circumstances within the institution.
• Awareness and Sensitization
  To conduct regular awareness programs, workshops, seminars and orientation sessions that educate all members about what constitutes sexual harassment, their rights, responsibilities and available recourse mechanisms.
• Prompt Complaint Resolution
  To receive, investigate and resolve complaints of sexual harassment in a time-bound, fair and impartial manner, typically within the legally mandated timeframe (often 90 days).
• Ensuring Confidentiality
  To maintain strict confidentiality of all parties involved in harassment cases, protecting the identity and privacy of complainants, witnesses and accused persons throughout the process.
• Victim Protection and Support
  To provide immediate assistance, counseling, medical aid and legal guidance to victims, ensuring they feel supported and protected from any retaliation or victimization.
• Creating Safe Reporting Mechanisms
  To establish accessible, user-friendly and secure channels for reporting incidents, including anonymous reporting options where appropriate.
• Gender Sensitization
  To promote gender equality and sensitivity across the institution through continuous education and training programs that challenge stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes.
• Documentation and Record-Keeping
  To maintain comprehensive, confidential records of all complaints, investigations and actions taken, ensuring accountability and providing data for policy improvements.
• Preventive Measures
  To identify risk factors and implement proactive measures that prevent sexual harassment before it occurs, such as establishing codes of conduct and behavioral guidelines.
• Policy Development and Review
  To develop comprehensive anti-harassment policies aligned with legal requirements and periodically review and update them based on emerging needs and challenges.
• Ensuring Fair Process
  To guarantee due process for all parties involved, including the right to be heard, present evidence and appeal decisions, while maintaining natural justice principles.
• Capacity Building
  To train committee members, management and staff on handling harassment cases sensitively and effectively, including trauma-informed approaches.
• Monitoring and Evaluation
  To regularly assess the effectiveness of anti-harassment initiatives, track complaint patterns and measure progress toward creating a harassment-free environment.
• Compliance and Reporting
  To ensure organizational compliance with all applicable laws and submit required annual reports to relevant authorities detailing the number of cases and actions taken.
• Building Trust and Accountability
  To foster an organizational culture where members trust the system, feel empowered to speak up and know that appropriate action will be taken against perpetrators.

These objectives work together to create a comprehensive framework that not only addresses incidents of sexual harassment but actively works to prevent them and create a culture of respect and dignity.

Activities
1. Legal & Rights Awareness Workshops
Activity: Conduct sessions on legal rights, reporting procedures, and institutional policies, with case studies and role-play on filing complaints.
Goal: Make victims aware of options and protections, reduce fear of reporting.
Applied Outcome: Victims feel empowered and informed about their choices.
2. Mentorship & Buddy Programs
Activity: Pair victims or at-risk students with trained mentors (senior students or faculty) for guidance, emotional support, and reporting navigation.
Goal: Provide one-on-one support and a sense of safety on campus.
Applied Outcome: Victims feel supported, protected, and less alone.
3. Digital Safety & Cyber Empowerment
Activity: Workshops on managing online harassment, privacy settings, and reporting digital abuse.
Goal: Equip victims to protect themselves online and respond effectively.
Applied Outcome: Increases confidence in digital spaces, often where harassment occurs.
4. Access to Counseling & Professional Support
Activity: Dedicated on-campus counseling sessions or partnerships with mental health professionals for confidential support.
Goal: Ensure victims have immediate access to therapy, stress management, and coping skills.
Applied Outcome: Emotional empowerment and better recovery outcomes.
5. “Know Your Power” Interactive Workshops
Activity: Activities that teach rights, safe intervention strategies, boundary-setting, and resilience using gamified or role-play exercises.
Goal: Teach victims self-advocacy skills in practical, memorable ways.
Applied Outcome: Victims leave with tangible strategies to navigate harassment safely.

Coordinator: Ms. Mary Antony, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Commerce