‘Women must file harassment complaints’

In the backdrop of a rape case being registered against Bollywood actor Alok Nath — who was accused of sexual assault in the #MeToo movement — police officers, lawyers and women’s rights activists in the city have been urging women who have faced harassment to speak up and register their complaints.

Seema Agarwal, Additional Director General of Police, said, “With the Me Too movement and other gender-equality campaigns gaining popularity, there is a significant shift in how women who are victims of harassers are perceived.” She added, “The atmosphere is definitely conducive for women to come forward and file a complaint.”

Following the Nirbhaya rape incident in December, 2012, the Indian Penal Code introduced Criminal Law (Amendment) Act or Nirbhaya Act in March, 2013 deeming sexual harassment, stalking, acid attack, attempt to attack with acid, act with intent to disrobe a woman, voyeurism and stalking as criminal offences, all punishable with imprisonment and liable to fine of different terms and amounts. While this Act itself remains relatively unknown, many women who are victims of harassers and stalkers, are oblivious to the fact that that they can submit a legal complaint online, without having to report at a police station.

A website was launched by the National Commission of Women (NCW) so that women can register their complaints without approaching a police station. The complaints are then forwarded to the concerned authorities for action. The NCW assures the complaints received online will be expedited to stop harassers before they escalate the crime to rape or murder.

Commenting on the matter, lawyer and women’s rights activist Sudha Ramalingam said, “Due to social conditioning, women are afraid that would be perceived in a wrong way, particularly when they have been previously in contact with their harasser. They fear judgement and are hence reluctant to step forward to file a complaint.”

“Complaints are usually made when the harasser’s activities become unbearable to the victim. It is ideal if the victim comes forward at the earliest signs of harassment so further crimes can be prevented. Two factors ensure the prosecutor can get the harasser convicted: a timely complaint presented with factual details and no exaggeration,” added Sudha.

Complaints can be submitted online at http://ncw.nic.in/onlinecomplaintsv2/frmPubRegistration.aspx, or by calling the NCW toll free number 0111-23219750.