Internal Complaint Procedure - St Aloysius (Deemed To Be University)

Composition of Members

Ms. Preema Tauro

Chairperson

Registration of Complaints

Despite preventive measures, if an incident of sexual harassment occurs, any person who experiences or witnesses such behaviour may file a complaint with the Internal Committee (IC).

Complaints may be submitted through any of the following methods:

• Download and fill the complaint form available on the website or via QR code and submit it through the official IC email.
• Submit a written complaint directly to any member of the Internal Committee.
• Drop the complaint in the designated She-Box placed in different blocks across the campus.

Complaints may be made either orally or in writing. In the case of an oral complaint, it shall be reduced to writing by the member receiving the complaint and signed by the complainant.

Any member receiving a complaint shall bring it to the notice of the Presiding Officer within two working days for appropriate action.

Time Limit

A complaint should preferably be filed within 90 days from the date of the incident, in accordance with the POSH Act, 2013. The Internal Committee may extend this period in exceptional circumstances, if justified.

Write your complaints to the following E-mail ID:

Safegaurding Policy

St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) is dedicated to carrying out its safeguarding obligations because it understands how important it is for students and vulnerable adults in its care to be safe. Since it is seen to be the most significant component of human life, safeguarding is included into every facet of the curriculum and university experience. This policy is applicable to all volunteers, staff members, and administrators connected to the institute.

At St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), each individual is respected for who they are and is worthy of respect because of that. At St. Aloysius, safeguarding refers to the actions taken to create a secure atmosphere for adults who are at risk and students. This includes:

• Promoting the Welfare of Students
• Working actively towards prevention of abuse.
• Seeking justice in handling cases of abuse.
• Challenging those who infringe on others’ rights through misuse of power while facilitating their reintegration back into our society safely.
• Non-stigmatizing language shall be strictly adhered to, and the use of adverse or accusatory words shall be prohibited in the process pertaining to the child and the vulnerable adults under these guidelines.
• Attempting reformation through institutional and cultural means within our organization so that recidivism can decrease.

Our way follows this vision which envisages an improved future for mankind by empowering young people through quality education and guiding principle aiming academic prowess

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to everyone involved with St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), including staff, management, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of the university. It covers all activities and interactions within the university environment, including academic, extracurricular, and outreach programs. The broad objective of the policy is to set minimum standards and procedures for creating a safe environment for the protection of the students and vulnerable adults against sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and all forms of maltreatment in our institution. The policy gives high priority to preventive measures as to avoid all forms of abuse and maltreatment.

Clarification of terms

For the purpose of this document the following terms are explained:

1. Abuse: Any action that intentionally harms or injures another person physically, emotionally, or psychologically.
2. Abusive Behaviour: Actions or language that are intended to harm, control, or intimidate another person.
3. Delinquent: The person against whom allegations of misconduct or abuse have been made.
4. Adult: Any person aged 18 years or older.
5. Child: Any person aged below 18.
6. Allegations: Claims or accusations that someone has committed an act of misconduct or abuse, pending investigation.
7. Complainant: The individual who raises concerns or makes allegations of abuse or misconduct.
8. Emotional Abuse: Non-physical behaviour that demeans, controls, or manipulates another person, leading to psychological harm.
9. ICC Cell: The Internal Complaints Committee responsible for addressing grievances related to abuse and harassment. It is constituted under POSH act 2013.
10. Grievance Cell: A designated group within an organization tasked with handling complaints and concerns raised by individuals.
11. Students: Individuals enrolled in educational programs or courses within the institution.
12. Vulnerable Adults: Adults who are at a higher risk of abuse or neglect due to age, disability, illness, or dependence on others.
13. Staff: Individuals employed by or working under the direction of an organization, including full-time, part-time, and temporary personnel.
14. Sexual Assault: Any non-consensual sexual act or behaviour inflicted upon another person.
15. Sexual Harassment: “Sexual harassment” includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behavior (whether directly or by implication) namely:
    1. (i) physical contact and advances;
    2. (ii) a demand or request for sexual favours;
    3. (iii) making sexually coloured remarks;
    4. (iv) showing pornography;
    5. (v) any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature;
16. Designated Safeguarding Officer: A person appointed to take the lead on safeguarding issues and ensure policies are implemented effectively.

Principles of Safeguarding

Our safeguarding practices are guided by the following principles:

1. Respect and Dignity: Every individual in our community is valued and treated with respect and dignity, recognizing their inherent worth and uniqueness.
2. Prevention: We are dedicated to preventing abuse and harm by fostering a culture of vigilance and awareness, ensuring all members of our community understand their responsibilities.
3. Protection: We are committed to protecting students and vulnerable adults by implementing robust procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to concerns about abuse or neglect.
4. Accountability: All staff, governors, and volunteers are responsible for maintaining a safe environment. They are expected to act with integrity, report concerns, and support the well-being of those in their care.

Responsibilities

• Staff, Management, and everyone are required to familiarize themselves with this policy and participate in safeguarding training. They must be vigilant and report any concerns regarding the safety or well-being of children and vulnerable adults to the designated safeguarding officers.
• Designated Safeguarding Officer, Safeguarding members oversee safeguarding practices, respond to concerns, and ensure compliance with this policy. They serve as the primary points of contact for any safeguarding issues within the university.
• Students and Community Members: Students and community members are encouraged to help create a safe environment by respecting others, understanding safeguarding principles, and reporting any concerns.

Safeguarding Procedures

We have established the following procedures to ensure effective safeguarding:

• Promotion of Welfare: We actively promote the welfare of students and vulnerable adults through education, awareness campaigns, and integration of safeguarding principles into the curriculum.
• Preventing Abuse: The University is committed to preventing abuse by conducting thorough background checks on all staff, volunteers, and external partners. Regular training on recognizing and reporting abuse is also provided.
• Responding to Abuse: If there is an allegation or suspicion of abuse, the university will take immediate action to protect the individual at risk. This includes reporting to relevant authorities, providing support to those affected, and conducting internal investigations.
• Challenging Abuse of Power: Appropriate measures, including disciplinary action and reporting to external authorities, will be taken against anyone found to be abusing their power.
• Rehabilitation and Reintegration: For individuals who have committed offenses, we will work within our institutional and cultural context to provide opportunities for rehabilitation, aiming to reduce re-offending and promote safe reintegration into the community.

Reporting and Record Keeping

• Reporting Concerns: Any concerns about the safety or well-being of students or vulnerable adults must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer. Reports can be made confidentially, and all concerns will be treated with sensitivity and urgency.
• Record Keeping: Accurate records of all safeguarding concerns, actions taken, and outcomes will be securely maintained by the DSO. These records will remain confidential and only be shared with relevant authorities as required.

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains effective and aligns with best practices in safeguarding. The review process will involve consultation with stakeholders, including staff, students, and external experts where appropriate.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) is committed to continuously improving its safeguarding practices. We will regularly assess the effectiveness of our policies and procedures, seeking feedback from the community, and making necessary adjustments to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in our care.

This policy reflects our dedication to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone at St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University). Through these measures, we aim to empower our community to contribute positively to society while ensuring the protection and welfare of its most vulnerable members.