Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday, November 26, released a video saying that he was “pained” by recent reports of sexual harassment of students. In the video message tweeted to mark International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25), he said: “It is a shame that these kinds of incidents occur against women and children.”

The CM said that the appeal for help by affected girls and women “ rings our ears”.

Stalin said that families should step forward to report and fight sexual harassment. “Families must not shy away from reporting such crimes,” he said.

He appealed to women and girl students not to take extreme steps, such as ending their lives, such matters. “Seek help through the helpline of the state and report incidents of sexual harassment to school officials or workspace colleagues or seniors,” he said.

ALSO READ | TN CM Stalin cites travelers’ woes, demands temporary air bubble arrangement with Singapore, Malaysia

Stalin said that he had taken up the responsibility of protecting the women in the state like a father and a brother. “The recent incidents of violence against women have hurt me a lot,” he said. He advised women to stand up against those involved in sexual harassment cases.

“I am there to protect you as a father and a brother; the government will protect you,” he said.

Stalin also spoke about the various initiatives of the state government and requested women and girl students to take advantage of the schemes in times of need.