Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell

Objective

The objectives of the cell are:
  • To provide a neutral, confidential and supportive environment for members of the campus community who may have been sexually harassed.
  • To advise complainants of the informal and formal means of resolution as specified by the Cell.
  • Deal with cases of discrimination and sexual harassment against women, in a time-bound manner, aiming at ensuring support services to the victimized and termination of the harassment.
  • Recommend appropriate punitive action against the guilty party.
  • To provide information regarding counselling and support services on our campus.
  • To ensure that students, faculty and staff are provided with current and comprehensive materials on sexual harassment and assault.
  • To promote awareness about sexual harassment through educational initiatives that encourage and foster a respectful and safe campus environment.

Procedure for Approaching Cell

The Cell deals with issues relating to sexual harassment at the Roever engineering college. It is applicable to all students, staff and faculty. A complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment may be lodged by the victim or a third party. A written complaint may be addressed to the Convener of the Committee. If the complaint is made to the Principal or any of the Committee members, they may forward it to the Convener of the Committee Against Sexual Harassment. Here it should be noted that according to the Supreme Court guideline Sexual harassment can be defined as “unwelcome” sexually determined behaviour (whether directly or by implication) as:
  • Physical contact and advances; Demand or request for sexual favours;
  • Sexually coloured remarks; Showing pornography; and
  • Another unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature. (Vishaka judgment by Supreme Court)

The following is also sexual harassment and is covered by the committee

  • Eve-teasing, Unsavoury remarks,
  • Jokes causing or likely to cause awkwardness or embarrassment,
  • Innuendos and taunts, Gender-based insults or sexist remarks,
  • Unwelcome sexual overtone in any manner such as over telephone (obnoxious telephone calls) and the like,
  • Touching or brushing against any part of the body and the like,
  • Displaying pornographic or other offensive or derogatory pictures, cartoons, pamphlets or sayings,
  • Forcible physical touch or molestation and Physical confinement against one's will and any other act likely to violate one's privacy.

What to do if you feel you are being sexually harassed

  • Know your rights – Sexual harassment is illegal, both the law of the land and UoH prohibit sexual harassment.
  • Speak up – try telling the person to stop. State clearly and firmly that you want a particular behaviour to cease.
  • Get information and support – If you feel you cannot speak up, ask your friends to help you and bring it to the notice of the College authorities without further loss of time.
  • Keep records that might be useful for pursuing the case.
  • Know your rights – Sexual harassment is illegal, both the law of the land and UoH prohibit sexual harassment.
  • Speak up – try telling the person to stop. State clearly and firmly that you want a particular behaviour to cease.
  • Get information and support – If you feel you cannot speak up, ask your friends to help you and bring it to the notice of the College authorities without further loss of time.
  • Keep records that might be useful for pursuing the case.

What not to do

  • Do not blame yourself. Sexual harassment is not something one brings on oneself. It is not a consequence of certain ways of dressing or acting. It is a violation of an individual’s right to work and live with dignity.
  • Do not ignore it. Ignoring sexual harassment does not make it go away. The harasser may misinterpret a lack of response as approval of the behaviour.
  • Do not delay. Delay in action increases the probability that unwanted behaviour will continue or escalate.
  • Do not hesitate to ask for help. Speaking up may also prevent others from being harmed.

Punitive Action

An employee guilty of sexual harassment shall be liable to give a written apology to the victim and any of the following punitive actions:
  • Suitable censure/warning
  • Withholding of increments
  • Reduction to lower service, grade or post.
  • Compulsory retirement
  • Removal from service, or Dismissal from service.
A student guilty of sexual harassment shall be liable to give a written apology to the victim and any of the following punitive actions:
  • Suitable censure/warning.
  • Withholding/withdrawing scholarship/fellowship and other benefits.
  • Rustication from College for a period up to a certain period or Expulsion from the College.

Composition

The Committee consists of members of the faculty, administration and students’ representatives. The members of the committee for the current academic year are:

Faculty Members

S.No
Name
Contact No
Email Id
1
ProfV.S.SREE Balaji Principal
9750970177
principal@roeverengg.edu.in
2
Prof.M.Periyasamy HOD/CIVIL
9976703227
hod_civil@roeverengg.edu.in
3
Prof.Sivakumar HOD/CSE
9524193027
hod_cse@roeverengg.edu.in
4
Mrs.Mahalakshmi AP/Physics
9994727849
mahasuriyaa06@gmail.com
5
R.Anandan Office Manager
9750970158
iganandan@gmail.com