Need genuine advise .
One of my female friends was sexually harassed by a professor in her college, and the entire incident has completely shattered her mentally, emotionally, and academically.
During an examination, all students were instructed to leave the classroom after submitting their papers. Since her seat number was the last, she naturally ended up being the last student remaining in the classroom. When she went to submit her answer sheet and was leaving with her belongings, the professor touched her inappropriately on her backside and made a disgusting gesture while looking at her — a gesture that clearly carried sexual intent.
Since that day, she has been living in constant fear, anxiety, and emotional distress. She has stopped attending college entirely because she no longer feels safe in that environment. The trauma has affected her so badly that she missed practical examinations and oral assessments for her semester, causing serious educational loss along with mental suffering.
What makes this even more disturbing is that she does not trust the college’s girls’ safety council or complaint system because, according to her, the professor involved and the female head of that council are close friends and belong to the same department. Because of this, she fears that her complaint may either be suppressed, ignored, or turned against her.
The saddest part is that she has not even told her family members about this incident. She comes from a socially and financially weaker background, and she fears that instead of supporting her, her family may stop her education altogether or blame her for the situation. Because of this fear, she has been silently suffering alone without emotional or institutional support.
It is absolutely disgusting and shameful that a student has to sacrifice her education, mental peace, and sense of safety because of the actions of a professor who is supposed to protect and guide students. No girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education.
What legal, academic, or official steps can be taken in a situation like this? Has anyone dealt with something similar before? What would be the safest and strongest course of action for her, especially when she feels trapped from every side?