The Government First Grade College for Women here on Tuesday set up a task force to fight sexual harassment/assault on women.
The task force, which includes over 150 students and 50 women teaching staff of the college, aims to spread awareness on gender issues and safety of women and girl children.
After inaugurating the task force, Child Protection Officer, Hassan, V. Geeta said that she had been receiving complaints on sexual harassment of girls aged between 14 and 16. She appealed to members of the task force to conduct a study on such cases and come out with an action plan to address the issue.
Ms. Geeta, appreciating the objectives of the task force, said that the police should be sensitised to women’s issues. Many a time, the police inadvertently delay action in cases pertaining to missing girls. Sexual assault on such girls could be averted if the police act swiftly, she said.
She pointed out that in many cases of sexual assault, the victim’s family does not want the case to reach its logical end and instead opts for negotiations. “I have seen family members of victims withdrawing complaints in return for cash compensation from the accused or their families. The task force should fight this and ensure that the accused does not escape the law,” she said.
Roopa Hassan, writer, told students that the main objective of the task force was to make girls understand their inner strength.
