The College

“If as a teacher I have had to contend with a system that had little to offer by way of support, where does a student turn for help? The harassment that women students experience from their teachers is persistent and subtle.” Professor of English, Lucknow University, [Nov 2003, India Together]

We usually relate college life with a sense of freedom and enjoyment. However, when that fun is at others’ expense it turns out to be quite a nightmare for some. Sexual harassment in college is one such menace.

Your Questions

What does sexual harassment in college mean?

Sexual harassment within the college refers to the incidents of unwanted physical and verbal sexual advances between students. The term ‘college’ includes not only the physical space or construction but also public spaces, the places of residence such as hostels, staff quarters, etc., and institutions, administrative offices and other organisations.

Remember, the key word here is unwanted. That is, it includes any sexual behaviour which is unwelcome and offensive. It could occur at several levels and manifest itself in different degrees: among students, between student and staff, among staff, between Staff and the Principal, between the Principal and students or between students and visitors to college. Each relationship would then have its own context, equation and power dynamics. It can be a one-time event or it can be ongoing. It could be done by only one male or by a group.

Educational institutions, both private and public, are obligated to establish a redressal system against sexual harassment post the Supreme Court judgments of the Vishaka guidelines in 1997. It is a Constitutional duty of the employer (either private or State) to offer an environment of safe education and ‘workplace’ (place of either work/study).

What forms can it take?

Sexual harassment can take various forms from verbal and psychological to physical.

“The harassment is so covert that victims come forward only if it becomes unbearable or if they can complain in a group, like the six staffers of the Rajasthani Seva Sangh College.” –a lawyer, [Times of India, 29/02/2004]

They are primarily of two forms: quid pro quo and hostile work environment.

Quid pro quo refers to asking/requesting/ demanding sexual favours in lieu of marks, grades, promotions and so on. Even if the victim gives consent, it is still a case of sexual harassment as she was under pressure. Quid pro quo is more direct and definite in nature and can be easily understood.

Hostile work environment sexual harassment is actions of a sexual nature which make the environment of the college unsafe, threatening and offensive for women students and women faculty, in general. It is vague in nature, has a broader scope and is often veiled.

The following are some examples of the above categories:

Non-verbal actions of a sexual nature such as staring at body parts, leering, brushing past or ‘accidentally’ touching your body, hugging unnecessarily and making suggestive gestures, among others (hostile work environment)
Verbal harassment such as passing lewd remarks, singing songs, cracking jokes of a sexual nature, making sexual advances, spreading sexual rumours about you (hostile work environment)
Asking constantly for dates despite being refused (hostile work environment)
Showing pornographic material against your wishes, sending lewd text messages or e-mails or displaying sexual graffiti (hostile work environment)
Physical harassment such as groping, touching, kissing and fondling, among others (hostile work environment)
Faculty teacher(s) asking for sexual favours in lieu of marks (quid pro quo)
Forcing you to drink/smoke/consume drugs forcefully (hostile work environment)
Harasser stalking you to home or passing sexual rumours about you. He could also be stalking you through mails, emails, text messages on the mobile, etc. (hostile work environment)
Principal abusing teachers in return for sanctioning leaves (quid pro quo)
Lack of girls’ toilets and medical aid for women (hostile work environment)
Finding faults with your work because you are a woman (hostile work environment)
A teacher asking for sexual favours for teaching or passing her in exams. (quid pro quo)
Teasing or passing comments (either privately or publicly) on your sexual orientation

But is it really so serious?

It can be just fun but can also be quite serious with a deep impact.

“…some common feelings are of confusion, powerlessness, betrayal, questioning one’s self beliefs, feeling dirty, shame, vulnerable, unsafe, scared, terrified, angry, suspicious, untrusting, hurt, panic and feeling miserable, to more serious psychological reactions.” – Psychiatrist, Sagar Apollo Hospital, [The Deccan Herald, 21-06-2008]

The nature of sexual harassment is such that while it is a criminal offence, it is often perceived as ‘frivolous’, ‘harmless’ and even ‘normal’. Sexual harassment might be ‘normal’ as in ‘common’, but it is definitely NOT ‘normal’ as in ‘healthy’!

Unlike what most people believe, women DO NOT like unwanted sexual attention nor do they provoke such behaviour. This is a male perception of the crime and women have simply internalised it. Blaming the action on the victim, in terms of dresses, mobility and demeanour, are merely excuses which most men (and even women) put forth.

Sexual harassment is known to have an adverse impact on its victims, some of them being low self-esteem, feelings of powerlessness, humiliation, anger and frustrations. It results in a lot of confusion among victims, often leading to absenteeism, lower grades, poor work performance, and an inability to form healthy relationships with the opposite sex in future and loss of self-confidence among women, in context of sexual harassment within college.

If it is so serious, why don’t women report it?

There are many reasons why women do not report sexual harassment!

“I have always been told to ignore such loafers who crack sexual jokes and comments. Sometimes my ears burn and hands itch to give them a slap, but I get scared of the consequences.”

“Even if I want to complain, who will take me seriously?”

“I will become the butt of jokes and gossip in the canteen!”

“What’s the point of telling anybody? My father will forbid me to go to college.”

“I do not know if there is a complaint committee in college. This is the first time I have heard of it.”

“Boys tease. It is part of their nature. What can you do about it?”

“I have to get along with the people I work with. There’s no point pursuing harassment charges, unless
you’re a film star or a politician.”

Further harassment, embarrassment, fear of blame and trivialization, lack of awareness and a repressive system are the usual reasons why most cases go unreported.

Is sexual harassment within the college the same as ragging?

“Verbal abuse and groping are part of what most girls have to put up with. It starts as introductions or know-your-senior-meets, but it continues even after the first year. It is very hard to classify it as ragging as no threatening words are used.” An engineering student, [Dataquest, 15-11-2007]

Yes and no. Ragging is the initial getting-to-know-each-other interaction between new and senior students. In the process, the new students are given tasks by older ones, following which they are initiated into a group or community. There have been several severe cases of ragging in India where students have either lost lives or years of study. Ragging can take an ugly turn towards sexual, physical and mental harassment, when the ‘tasks’ given during ragging become offensive, forced and dangerous.

On the other hand, sexual harassment happens because of your gender (and mostly on women). Ragging is targeted toward both male and female students. Both ragging and sexual harassment in colleges fall under disciplinary matters. Moreover, there are high chances that prolonged ragging and sexual harassment come in the same package. While many colleges have banned ragging, it is still very common today.

Isn’t this the same as ‘eve-teasing’?

YES! The term ‘eve-teasing’ usually refers to light verbal and non-verbal harassment, such as leering, passing comments, etc. of a sexual nature, which are seen as normal, harmless and fun.

Moreover, the term implies that it is the woman who “tempts” such behaviour through her actions. It implies that women who are harassed have somehow ‘overstepped’ their social boundaries and deserve to be punished. Though both sexual harassment and eve-teasing refer to the same form of behaviour, the ‘light hearted’ aspect of ‘eve-teasing’ conceals the fact that sexual harassment is a crime, and that too, a non-bailable and cognizable one, if it falls under Section 509!

Is sexual harassment different from flirting?

Flirting is mutual and with the consent of both people. Whilst sexual harassment is one sided and usually done by a man who harasses a woman student or faculty. The key difference is in unwanted attention versus mutual and welcome attention.

Where does sexual harassment take place in college?

Sexual harassment within college can happen in the corridors, the college ground, secluded areas, outside college gates, car parking, canteens, inside and outside classrooms, staff rooms and staircases.

Note that a case of sexual harassment will fall under the jurisdiction of the University if it happens between two people who met in college, but the actual harassment took place outside its physical space and beyond the working hours. This is true, irrespective of whether you are a student, a faculty member or non-teaching staff.

For instance, if a lecturer is harassed by the principal outside college and after working hours, it will still fall under the purview of the college discipline. ‘College’ also includes areas such as hostels, sports grounds, staff quarters, health centres, canteens and public spaces such as parks, lanes and streets, among others.

Moreover, sexual harassment will fall under the jurisdiction of the University, if it takes place during activities such as field trips, conferences, sports tournaments and college festivals, among others.

Possible Steps

“First, we need to understand that abuse is not followed by complete silence from the victim. This is a myth…. A formal complaint is usually a “climatic” event and is preceded by the victim sharing the information with friends, or relatives. And then, perhaps, with colleagues or those in positions of some formal (though not necessarily legal) authority.” [The Hindu 29/09/2002]

Speaking out and naming it as sexual harassment is the first important step. Just as building your confidence to deal with it. Ultimately, prevention calls for considerable behavioural change, not only for you as a victim but for the harasser as well.

Informal Strategies

“Most students back out after making complaints, while others prefer to settle it among themselves.” Tata Institute of Social Sciences lecturer, [Times of India, 8/08/2002]

Informal strategies are the ones which are relevant at the personal level for you. These strategies essentially comprise confronting the harasser, but keeping in mind your own personal safety. Your objective is to stop further harassment!

At this level, we forward strategies which guide you through building self-confidence to deal with the sexual harassment and develop your own strategies. Voicing your protest immediately when the harassment takes place is important, as it informs your harasser that sexual harassment is NOT on with you!
Moreover, we help you to prepare yourself for taking up formal mechanisms as well.

Confronting the Harasser

By speaking out, you not only stop your own harassment, it will also make the harasser think twice before harassing someone else.

Demanding that the harasser stop the harassment is your right! This is irrespective of who that harasser is: a fellow classmate, a batch mate, a teacher, a friend’s friend, an acquaintance, the sweeper, the non-teaching staff like librarian, sports coordinator, laboratory assistants, and administration, among others. The sexual harassment becomes more serious when the harasser is a Faculty Lecturer or the Head of Department or the Principal. Remember, any kind of quid pro quo harassment is a crime under the IPC Section and a gross violation of human rights. Nevertheless, it is best to voice your protest immediately when the sexual harassment takes place.

Speak out when you are sexually harassed. Be firm, if it is a person in a higher position than yours. Be blunt and precise, if it is a friend. Speak confidently. Demand that he stop the harassment immediately!
Read the do’s and don’ts for confronting the harasser.

Be direct and specific in your approach. Say exactly what he did and how it is not ‘on’ for you. Be professional, firm and objective, where your tone is concerned. Practice, if needed. “I found it offensive the way you (fill in the blank) on (this day) and I demand that you stop immediately. Stop harassing women.” In case your harasser is a stranger, then respond accordingly, “You just _________. It is sexual harassment. Stop harassing women!”
Inform him that his actions are offensive and that it is sexual harassment. This should be done especially to make the perpetrator aware of his actions. For instance, when your male friends/colleagues crack offensive jokes and you find them offensive as a woman
Let him know you will not be quiet about it. That protesting against sexual harassment is a matter of your values. This also implies that you respect yourself enough to protect yourself
Make his actions visible if needed
Understand that ‘fun/flirting/making friends’ is not the same as sexual harassment. You do not feel offended or intimidated in the former
Inform the harasser that sexual harassment is a crime and he can go to jail for it!
Keep you tone serious. Be very firm that you want this harassment to stop immediately
Control your body language while confronting. Be strong and maintain direct eye contact. Stand straight while talking and keep your voice firm
Remember, having a sense of humour has got nothing to do with sexual harassment. Do inform the perpetrator his is one of poor taste, if he thinks he can have fun at your expense
Stick to the issue of his misconduct
Remember, even if you’ve had a relationship with him in the past, he has no right to force his attentions on you, especially when you don’t want to.
Remember, it is your prerogative to end the conversation. You do not need to continue arguing or owe him (or listen to) any explanations. If he argues, interrupt him and end the dialogue

Don’ts

Do not slouch, giggle, smile, hesitate, squirm or cry
Do not cry or hurl abuses at him. Do not become over-emotional while approaching him
Do not use a gentle or a timid tone while confronting harasser
Do not give excuses for the actions of the harasser. Or defend him for that matter. If you are offended or hurt by his actions, then say so. Do not deny his misconduct for interest in you or that it is an aspect of his nature and that he can’t help it. Do not deny that it happened Do not respond to his excuses or arguments. Interrupt him if needed
Do not hesitate to use a physical response if needed
Do not blame yourself for the perpetrator’s action in any way
Do not linger long on the confrontation. Make it quick, precise and to-the-point
Do not ignore any piece of information/ warning regarding the perpetrator
Do not assume you are alone while facing sexual harassment. There might be other individuals who are going through a similar situation
Do not slouch, giggle, smile, hesitate, squirm or cry
Do not cry or hurl abuses at him. Do not become over-emotional while approaching him
Do not use a gentle or a timid tone while confronting harasser
Do not give excuses for the actions of the harasser. Or defend him for that matter. If you are offended or hurt by his actions, then say so. Do not deny his misconduct for interest in you or that it is an aspect of his nature and that he can’t help it. Do not deny that it happened Do not respond to his excuses or arguments. Interrupt him if needed
Do not hesitate to use a physical response if needed
Do not blame yourself for the perpetrator’s action in any way
Do not linger long on the confrontation. Make it quick, precise and to-the-point
Do not ignore any piece of information/ warning regarding the perpetrator
Do not assume you are alone while facing sexual harassment. There might be other individuals who are going through a similar situation

Documenting the Harassment

Keep a note of when (date, day and time), where and by whom were you harassed. Note how the incident happened and if you know the identity of the harasser. This is important especially if and when you want to pursue a legal case. Also if you have been facing continuous harassment, also document how you felt during those incidents and how you reacted to the same.

Sharing

The idea of protesting is not just about confronting the harasser, but to also make the incident visible. The moment you share the incident with a trusted friend/family member/colleague, the incident ceases to be a personal issue.

We understand you are scared, but when you share you defy the harasser’s expectation that you will keep quiet about it. Remember, any form of violence against women, be it sexual harassment or domestic violence, is not your personal issue. It is a social problem; it is a crime.

Talking with people in the same position as yours means you are creating witnesses for your situation. They are also a witness to the impact the incident has had on you. At the same time, you might find other women who have been victims. Your talking will make other women aware of such incidents.

Personal safety

“Show me a boss who doesn’t have a roving eye and hand and I will show you ten who do… He made it impossible for me to pursue my diploma course.” A Delhi University lecturer harassed by the Head of Department, [The Hindu, 20-2-2000]

A single incident of sexual harassment can break the sense of safety and security that most students feel in their classrooms. It is a traumatic experience. It is important to create a safety net.

When you are sexually harassed, it will take more time to recover. But a secure safety net is vital, not just in the form of a cushion for victims, but also for further prevention of sexual harassment incidents. Read on how to ensure personal safety within college.

Your first objective should be to remove yourself from the situation of threat and danger
You do not need to carry knives or mirchi powder. Instead items commonly carried such as pen, deodorants, safety pin, hair pins, keys, books, umbrella, bags, elbows, etc could become your weapon
If you are caught in a situation where the harasser is aggressive, see if you can use sweet talk/ false promises to get away from the situation.
React immediately when the harasser corners you. Most of the time, the harasser does not expect you to speak out. He is counting on you to be afraid of him or to be too shy to voice your opinion
It is easier to react when the harasser is a stranger, we can become confused when we know the harasser. Irrespective of whom it is, know it is sexual harassment and what he did was a crime
communicate immediately when you feel offended. This alone may help to deflate the situation as the harasser does not expect you to speak out
Keep emergency contact numbers in hand. One way of securing these numbers is to save them as speed dials in your mobile phone. This way you can dial them when you need help and even create witnesses to the incident
as the harasser does not expect you to speak out
Keep your trusted friends in the loop when you are sexually harassed as the harasser does not expect you to speak out
You do not need to speak to a person with whom you don’t want to. Do not give away personal information to people you don’t want to as the harasser does not expect you to speak out
You have a right to choose the person you go out with. You have a right to say NO. Exercise that right as the harasser does not expect you to speak out
Ask for help when you are in need as the harasser does not expect you to speak out
If a person in authority misbehaves with you, share it with others. Take heed of what others have to say of a certain person

Setting your boundaries

“Am I as offended by the liftman in my building complex oggling at me as by a fellow student who is hip and happening?” Lawyer, [Women’s Feature Service, 23/05/ 2009]

Every individual has his or her own comfort zone or a personal boundary. This boundary basically outlines what is and what is not acceptable behaviour for that person.

The boundaries vary with regard to people, their tolerance levels, degree of closeness with that person, gender, the context and the situation. Setting your boundary in your friendships, personal relationships and work relationships is important. To some extent we take this for granted, and hence get shocked, when some one crosses those boundaries. For instance, a lecturer hugging or touching students unnecessarily shocks our sensibilities and is a gross violation of that boundary one has set up for him.

The boundaries can be violated not just by gesture or physical proximity, but also verbally, such as asking personal questions or expecting certain responses from you. With friends or peer groups, the boundaries are rather thin. All the more important who we allow inside that boundary and who we choose to be distant from.

The key in setting your boundary is to say NO the moment it is violated. You must be vocal, blunt and honest with this regard. You might hurt egos in the process, but your personal safety must get the first priority here.

Semi-formal Strategies

“Surprisingly harassment is high in the education sector and in Government offices. A couple of cases had come to us from colleges with the complaint that male teachers were making snide and obscene remarks and initiating sexual advances toward their female counterparts.” Activist of the Jagruti Mahila Sangam, [The Hindu, 27/08/05]

Semi-formal strategies are the ones which are a step below the formal mechanisms. You complain [but not in written form], not only to the harasser, but to lecturers, unions or students’ groups, the principal or a Grievance Committee.

Fact-finding process

At this stage, gather all the information you can. This will not only enable you to reach an informed decision, but you will also help others who might have suffered in silence.

Here is a checklist for Fact Finding:

Is there a grievance or sexual harassment cell in your college? If not, what is the alternative form of redressal?
What do you need to do to file a formal complaint?
Do the lecturers have an authority to help you in this matter?
If you are a lecturer yourself and have been harassed by fellow colleague or the Principal, can you approach a committee?
How strong is your case for going to the police? Check with a lawyer
Will the Cell or committee protect you against any further harassment?
Will this process cost you?
Can you keep the entire process confidential? To what extent?
How long would the process, from filing a complaint to penalising the harasser, take?

Sharing with Lecturers/Head of Department/Principal

“I was to go with the other students at 11am, but as I was unable to make it, I met him at 5pm. By then, most of the teachers had left for the day. The principal initially yelled at me and threatened to call my parents, but when I started crying, he came to console me… and then began fondling my breasts.” 19-year old commerce student, who had to be counselled by her teachers to resume college, [DNA, 02/12/2007]

Lecturers are not only an important source of support, but they may also guide you further if and when you are sexually harassed. The matter becomes more serious when your harasser is a lecturer. In such cases especially, it is advised you speak informally to a trustworthy member of the teaching staff or committee members such as National Social Service.

Creating a witness

Most cases of sexual harassment occur when you are forced to be alone or in close proximity. One of the ways you can help yourself is by creating a witness to the sexual harassment. This means that you share your experiences with a particular person. This person should be ready to give a statement to a committee or court.

Informal interaction

While you must approach the sexual harassment committee with a formal complaint, it is a good idea to informally talk to a member. It will give you a fair idea of what to expect and the possible repercussions of filing a formal complaint. Moreover this will help you to weigh your options of filing a formal complaint.

Speaking with a Union

“…We set up a body named GSCASH (Gender Sensitisation committee against Sexual Harassment) comprising students, teachers and faculty representatives plus wardens. This committee reports, monitors and investigates cases of sexual harassment. Forty cases have been filed since the inception of GSCASH and stringent punishment has been meted out to five individuals, including a faculty member.. The administration was not willing to take action against him but it had to after we called a massive strike.” Joint Secretary of the students union at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University,[November 2003, India Together]

The Students’ Union is a good option to approach if you are a victim of sexual harassment. Backed by a group, your case will have greater scope of being heard and taken to its end than if you are fighting alone. Moreover, Unions can also play an important role in spreading awareness on the role of committees and in preventing sexual harassment within the college.

Formal Mechanisms

Formal mechanisms are the ones which allow you to take the incident of sexual harassment to the level of institution head/the principal/the sexual harassment committee with a formal complaint. At this level, if you are unsatisfied, you may also decide to take the case to the police. Remember, sexual harassment is a cognisable crime, and non-bailable.

“What is this Sexual Harassment Committee?”
“We do not wait for unfortunate things to happen; we create awareness among the students.” – Chairperson, committee against Sexual Harassment (CASH), University of Hyderabad, [The Hindu, 02/03/2009]

The sexual harassment committee was formed as a result of a directive of the Supreme Court to all employers to set up a redressal system. Consequently, the Cells work towards prevention and redressal of sexual harassment cases, creating awareness, providing guidelines and establishing sexual harassment committee at the level of colleges
The structure of the sexual harassment cell varies from one university to another. For instance, while University of Mumbai has the college sexual harassment committee and University sexual harassment committee, Delhi University has a three-tier structure: Cell at the levels of individual colleges, Cell for cluster of University Departments, Cell for institutions which do not fall under the above two categories and finally, an apex complaints committee for the whole of Delhi University
The complaints committee is a five member team, in which at least 50% of the team will be women, a member from a third party NGO and a member from the reserved category.
The penalties for a person found guilty of sexual harassment varies with regard to his position in the system. If the harasser is a student, the penalties can range from warning, written apology, suspension for a stipulated time to debarring from exams and expulsion. If the harasser is an employee, it could vary from warning, fine, withholding promotion to termination of service and compulsory retirement.

“How do I approach the sexual harassment committee?”

“Any female employee, be it the student, the lecturer or non-teaching staff, should not be quiet on any case of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a cognizable offence and sexual harassment committee is here to help you. Have confidence in yourself to approach us and then take it to its end. A small step of yours will go a long way in preventing sexual harassment.” Chairperson, UWDC, University of Mumbai

In most cases, the complaint must be filed by the complainant. A formal complaint cannot be filed without the consent of the person who has been harassed.
The complaint must be in a written format duly signed by the complainant. You can choose to give an oral complaint, but this will be reduced to a written format by a sexual harassment committee member. Till you do not sign this document, it will not be considered a formal complaint. This document goes to the complaints Register, which is a confidential document.
You may file a complaint with full confidentiality at this stage. This is especially important if you fear adverse impact if it was to be made public.
The complainant is then heard by the five-member complaints committee, following which it is decided whether the case falls under the purview of definition of sexual harassment. An enquiry report is consequently prepared and should the case be dropped, the reasons should be laid down as well.
If the sexual harassment committee decides to take up the case, then the accused is now intimated of the Enquiry against him. He must be present in the next meeting/hearing, though the stipulated time varies from one University to another.
You must decide at this stage how you want to pursue the case. That is, whether you want the sexual harassment committee to only warn the harasser or if you want the committee to take more serious action, such as transfer. The proceeding will vary correspondingly.
It is the sexual harassment committee who decides the degree of penalty depending on the severity of injury to the complainant, the frequency or repetition of harassment, the impact of harassment on the complainant and the institution as a whole and the positions of both the complainant and the harasser. Thus, stalking a student by member of the teaching staff is a more serious offence than verbal comments passed by a student.

“There’s no sexual harassment committee at my college. What do I do?”
Or “The sexual harassment committee at my college is lying dormant for years. Who do I approach then?”

According to the study done by Akshara, a women’s resource centre, almost half of the 45 Colleges of Mumbai University visited had a dormant or a partially functioning sexual harassment committee. It is a great possibility that you find no formal redressal system in your college. You have some options if you are a student being harassed by another or by third party (outsider).

Approach other specialized bodies such as the Gender Sensitisation committee Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH) of the Jawaharlal Nehru University or the Delhi University based Forum Against Sexual Harassment (FASH)
Approach the Department Head/ the Principal/ other Lecturers.
Seek help from your peers and lodge a joint complaint for support.
Approach the Union, if there is one.
Lobby to set up a redressal mechanism in College.
Approach the sexual harassment committee at the University level with your complaint

When a lecturer is harassed by fellow colleague/principal/ non-teaching staff or a student harassed by lecturer/principal/non-teaching staff and there is no grievance Cell at your college, it is a very serious offence because a person of authority is involved here. You must choose at least one of the following options:

Approach the sexual harassment committee at the university level
Go to the police
Seek help from other colleagues
Approach the management/ members of the governing body/ board of trustees
Lobby with help from other colleagues to set up a sexual harassment committee at your college level

“What should my complaint letter/form comprise of?”

Your formal complaint must contain the date of complaint, your name and position (department you belong to). It must mention clearly when the incident of sexual harassment happened, the identity of the harasser, his position & Department, the context in which the sexual harassment took place. Mention how the incident impacted on you and your response to the same.
Keep the tone of the letter formal and non-emotional.
Stick to the issue of sexual harassment. You do not have to describe the nature of the harasser, but stick to the incident.
Mention if the harassment has been repetitive with the respective dates, places, how you were harassed and the respective contexts.
Describe the trauma you went through.
Mention if you’d like to maintain your confidentiality.
Mention if you want to pursue formal/legal action against your harasser.

Is going to the police a good option?

Yes! If you think the college authorities do not have an adequate mechanism to follow through with your complaint, then go ahead and file a FIR!

Most of the university colleges have a police station located within or nearby. There are also mobile police stations working in many colleges. Many hesitate to approach the police, thinking it will complicate matters. But remember, by not voicing your protest, you are letting the harasser get away with it.

To know more on the criminal procedure, how to lodge a FIR, the Sections under IPC dealing with sexual harassment at home and other laws on sexual harassment, pl go to the section on Going to the Police