1. Introduction:
Healed World is committed to fostering a safe and respectful working environment free from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. This policy outlines Healed World’s zero-tolerance approach to such behaviour and establishes procedures
for prevention, reporting, and response.
2. Definitions:
• Sexual Exploitation: Any abuse of power or position for sexual purposes, including but not limited to transactional sex, sexual favours, or sexual
relationships with beneficiaries.
• Sexual Abuse: Any form of sexual assault, coercion, or harassment, including unwanted sexual advances, touching, or comments.
• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including verbal, non-verbal, or physical behaviour that creates a hostile or intimidating environment.
3. Prevention Measures:
• Healed World conducts thorough background checks on all staff and volunteers, including reference checks and criminal record checks where applicable.
• Staff and volunteers receive training on Healed World’s code of conduct, including expectations regarding respectful behaviour, boundaries, and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
• Clear guidelines are established for interactions with beneficiaries, including maintaining professional boundaries, obtaining informed consent, and avoiding behaviour that could be perceived as exploitative or abusive.
4. Reporting Procedures:
• Any staff member, volunteer, beneficiary, or third party who experiences or witnesses’ sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment must report it immediately to their supervisor or the designated focal point for safeguarding.
• Reports may be made verbally or in writing and will be treated with confidentiality and sensitivity.
5. Investigation Procedures:
• Upon receiving a report of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment, Healed World will initiate a prompt and impartial investigation.
• An investigation team, comprising trained individuals with expertise in safeguarding and gender-based violence, will be appointed to conduct the
investigation.
• The investigation will prioritize the safety and well-being of the complainant, ensuring support services are made available as needed.
6. Disciplinary Action:
• If the investigation confirms the occurrence of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the perpetrator, up to and including termination of employment or termination of partnership with contractors or suppliers.
• Healed World may also report criminal behaviour to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
7. Support Services:
• Healed World will provide support services to complainants, including access to counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and other resources as needed.
• Staff and volunteers who report incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment will be protected from retaliation and provided with ongoing support throughout the process.
8. Awareness and Training:
• Healed World conducts regular awareness campaigns and training sessions on the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, ensuring all stakeholders are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
9. Review and Monitoring:
• This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Management will monitor the implementation of prevention measures and investigate any allegations of non-compliance promptly.
10. Communication:
• Healed World will communicate this policy to all staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, contractors, and partners, ensuring awareness and understanding of expectations regarding appropriate behaviour and reporting procedures.
11. Approval:
This Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment Policy is approved by the Board of Directors and applies to all individuals associated with Healed World.
12. Effective Date:
This policy is effective as of 31/03/2022 and supersedes any previous policies or guidelines related to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
By implementing this Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment Policy, Healed World
aims to create a safe and supportive environment for all individuals involved in its
activities and to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and respect