HARASSMENT ON CAMPUS: HOW TO AVOID AND TACKLE IT

From practising caution to reporting the perpetrator, here’s a handy guide to stay safe during college years

It’s unfortunate when words like ‘sexual harassment’ become an oft-used phrase in today’s world of academics. Students have come out to complain against college staff, faculty and classmates; and a recent survey conducted by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) claims that one in four DU students has faced sexual harassment in the campus. What can we do to change this? Here’s help:

CYBER HARASSMENT

Cyber harassment exists in many forms. The prominent forms are direct interactions, where the perpetrator indulges in lewd comments, hate speeches and exchange of inappropriate media, and indirect interactions, where the perpetrator indulges in public shaming. If you’re facing such a situation, follow these steps:

Document everything: Keeping a proof of harassment always helps. Take screenshots of interactions, keep copies of inappropriate media sent to you. This will make your case stronger against the perpetrator.

Report such behaviour: Once you have collected all information, file a complaint or report such behaviour on the platform where youw faced the harassment.

Go Public: If the conduct persists, call them out. Often offenders choose to be discreet with their actions. So, speak up against them and share with your family and friends. It helps build a support system.

File an official complaint: Since you have proof against the perpetrator, file an official complaint with police. Filing a complaint immediately is beneficial, as it deprives your perpetrator to backtrack.

PHYSICAL HARASSMENT

If you’ve been harassed in any form, you can choose to report to the authorities present in college, or take the matter to higher authorities. Also, here’s how you can prevent it in the first place.

Be aware: Being aware is the first step to avoid harassment. Aggressors often choose targets, who are unaware of their surroundings. Being aware helps you identify an out-of-place behaviour and even objects that you can use for confrontation.

Be confident: When facing harassment, the question that comes in mind is fight or flight? Most people choose flight, often leading to panic an advantage to the aggressor. So, be confident and relaxed in tense situations.

Practice target denial: Target denial is avoiding the chance to be a victim. Listen to your instincts. Move away, if a person walking behind you is creeping you out, or if you feel intimidated by a person in the elevator. Being confident also helps in target denial.

Set verbal and non-verbal boundaries: Always maintain distance between you and the aggressor if they confront you and make sure they know that messing with you will result in problems for them. Be strong and assertive, but don’t overdo by threatening the aggressor.

Use elements of surprise: Perpetrators often like to get the jump on their victims. So, if you are being approached, keep a nonconfrontational stance so that you can strike when the opportunity arises.

Know basic techniques:

There is a misconception that you need to be trained in martial arts to ward off an aggressor. All you need is a few easy and effective moves. Know your strengths and their weaknesses. The weakest points in a person’s body are their eyes, nose, throat, solar plexus, knees and groin. Target these areas with powerful jabs, palm and elbow strikes or kicks and you’re sure to surprise the offender.

Students, who have been harassed, need the right kind of support, and we try to help them in every way possible — monetary, lodging and medical. ASHIMA DANGWAL

THE NAARI PROJECT

We take strict action against any act of harassment, and urge students to come forward and report any incident they face or witness. VINEET KUMAR DCP NORTH