Rita has reached out to the members of her organisation’s Internal Committee (IC). She is extremely distressed and has stated that she feels very unsafe at the workplace. She feels threatened working with the respondent against whom she had filed a PoSH complaint. Even though the case had been closed and corrective action had been taken, Rita’s anxieties returned after being exposed to the recent Kolkata sexual abuse case that has been making the rounds in the Indian media. She fears that the respondent could further harm her.
The horrifying rape case that took place in a Kolkata government hospital in August 2024 has ignited spirited discussions about sexual violence in India. The surge of awareness that such cases bring can also be an offshoot. In one instance, more survivors may feel empowered to come forward with their experiences. On the other hand, the constant media coverage and discussions can re-traumatise survivors, making it challenging for them to report their experiences or engage with the IC’s process.
Survivors of sexual violence like Rita, can come to the IC asking for further support. This essentially can also be a trauma-based response to such an experience. The PoSH Act mandates that the IC’s role is not just limited to handling cases of sexual harassment. The role also entails creating an environment that facilitates conversation around sexual harassment with profound sensitivity and empathy. This is especially crucial when such discussions may affect the mental well-being of survivors of sexual abuse. To achieve this effectively, ICs must create safe and judgement-free spaces for survivors to speak about their fears and apprehensions.
Addressing the situation
Here are a few things that IC members can do to navigate these sensitive topics, ensuring a supportive environment for survivors while upholding the principles of fairness and justice.
- Approach each case with empathy. Survivors may be dealing with a range of emotions, including fear, shame, and anger. It’s important to understand that discussing their experiences might re-traumatise survivors. Provide a space where they feel safe to express themselves without pressure.
In Rita’s case: The IC can approach her by stating “Rita, thank you for reaching out to us, it’s completely understandable that you’re feeling anxious at this instance. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.”
- Ensuring that survivors are provided with counselling and psychological support during and after the IC process. This can help them navigate the emotional toll of recounting their experiences.
In Rita’s case: The IC can reach out by saying, “We understand this is a hard time for you, if you’d like we can arrange for you to speak with a counsellor who can support you through this time. It’s important that you have someone to talk to about how you’re feeling.”
- It’s important to make the survivor feel empowered by encouraging them to participate in decisions about their safety and well-being. It’s important to make them aware of their rights while respecting their choices.
In Rita’s case: The IC can approach this situation by asking “Would you prefer to work remotely for a while, or would you like us to explore other ways to ensure your comfort at the workplace?”
- It’s important to be cognizant of the fact that extensive media coverage of sexual abuse and other similar incidents can re-traumatise survivors. At this instance the IC is expected to offer reassurance while supporting them to navigate the situation.
In Rita’s case: The IC can lend a helping hand to Rita by saying, “We understand that the recent news might have brought back difficult memories. It’s okay to take a break from the news, and we’re here if you need to talk about how it’s affecting you.”
To understand more on how ICs can work on preventing sexual harassment, reach out to us on hello@serein.in.