Prevention of sexual exploitation
Policy Summary / Purpose
Fundamental to the operation of SAVE ETHIOPIA is respect for the dignity and basic human rights of people within Australia and throughout the world.
Every person who represents and is partner of SAVE ETHIOPIA is expected to reflect these values in their professional conduct, regardless of who they are dealing with, or where they are working.
Details of policy
Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) is a violation of basic human rights. SAVE ETHIOPIA aims to provide a safe and trusted environment that safeguards everyone fromSEA including beneficiary communities, workers, program participants and partner organisations. SAVE ETHIOPIA is committed to safeguarding the people it helps and who it works alongside. We recognise that the nature of SAVE ETHIOPIA’s work places our workers and program participants in positions of authority and trust in relation to the communities we work with, especially vulnerable adults and children. SAVE ETHIOPIA workers andprogram participants have an obligation to uphold high standards of personal and professional conduct at all times and must not abuse this position inorder to exploit or abuse another person.
SAVE ETHIOPIA will actively prevent and respond to SEA and maintain an organisational culture that prioritises safeguarding against SEA so that it is safe for those affected to come forward and report incidents and concerns with the assurance they will be handled sensitively and appropriately.
3. SCOPE / PERSONS AFFECTED
The following must comply with this Policy in the course of their work and when representing SAVE ETHIOPIA:
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• SAVE ETHIOPIA Members, office holders, workers
• All program participants
• All partners of Save Ethiopia and their representatives
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All of the classes of people and individuals listed above must comply with the standards of Save Ethiopia set out in this SAVE ETHIOPIA Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy.
4. DEFINITIONS
Worker: employees (Australia and overseas), consultants, contractors, office volunteers, interns, the SAVE ETHIOPIA Board, or anyone engaged to undertake work for this organisation.
Program Participant: defined as any person engaged to undertake an assignment, volunteer or otherwise, on an international or domestic program managed by SAVE ETHIOPIA.
Accompanying adult dependent: defined as any person over the age of 18 supported by SAVE ETHIOPIA to accompany a person undertaking an assignment, volunteer or otherwise, on an international or domestic program managed by SAVE ETHIOPIA.
Program beneficiaries: any person who, either directly or by association, derives a benefit from a SAVE ETHIOPIA or SAVE ETHIOPIA affiliated program. Examples include, but are not limited to; Partner Organisation employees and community members who directly receive a service or engage with a program participant in the courseof the participant’s work with a Partner Organisation.
Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) occurs against a child or an adult and can occur between people of the same or different genders. It includes situationssuch as:
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Sexual exploitation and abuse;
Sexual harassment;
Child sexual abuse and exploitation;
Women and men sexually exploited through sex work;
Possessing, controlling, producing, distributing, obtaining or transmitting sexually exploitative
images of adults and children; and
Facilitation of sexual abuse and exploitation (PSEA).
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Defining Key Concepts
Sexual Exploitation – any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but notlimited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
Sexual Abuse – the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Sexual Harassment – includes all conduct of a sexual or gender-determined nature at the workplace or connected to the workplace that is intended to violate the dignity of a person, or which has this effect.
In this policy, sexual harassment is understood as an act that is unwanted in the eyes of the persons directly or indirectly affected.
This includes, but is not limited to:
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Physical approaches or physical contact of a sexual nature, or sexual assault
Gestures and other nonverbal communication with sexual undertones
Comments of a sexual nature about individuals and/or their body, conduct, sex life or sexual identity
Sexually discriminatory language and humiliating remarks, including sexually explicit jokes;
Requests to perform sexual activities
Showing or displaying pornographic or sexist images
Repetitive questions or prying into an individual’s relationship status or details of their relationship
Invitations to inappropriate locations outside the workplace for work-related meetings
Offers to, or the sending of gifts that are unwelcome, out of context or embarrassing to an individual
suggestive logistics or questions around work trips, including offers to share hotel rooms and unwelcome social invitations
Sexually motivated stalking.
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Child Sexual Abuse – the use of a child for sexual gratification by an adult or significantly older child or adolescent. It includes but not limited to exposing the child to, or involving the child in, pornography , Child Exploitation – one or more of the following:
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Committing or coercing another person to commit an act or acts of abuse against a child
Possessing, controlling, producing, distributing, obtaining or transmitting child exploitation material
Committing or coercing another person to commit an act or acts of grooming or online grooming
Using a minor for profit, labour, sexual gratification, or some other personal or financial advantage.
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Child – any person under the age of eighteen (18) years as defined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child irrespective of local country definitions
of when a child reaches adulthood.
Vulnerable adults – those aged over 18 years and who identify themselves as unable to take care of themselves/ protect themselves from harm or exploitation; or who, due to their gender, mental or physical health, disability, ethnicity, religious identity, sexual
orientation, economic or social status, or as a result of disasters and conflicts, are deemed to be at risk.
Survivor – A person who has SEA perpetrated against him/her or an attempt to perpetrate SEA against him/her.
5. PRINCIPLES
SAVE ETHIOPIA’s commitment to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse is informed by the following principles:
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Child rights and women’s rights as core values within SAVE ETHIOPIA: SAVE ETHIOPIA upholds the rights articulated in the International Bill of Human Rights, The UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women and The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and promotes the right of adults and childrento be protected from all forms of violence including SEA.
Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children: Issues of SEA are fundamentally about abuses of power. Situations of poverty, vulnerability and discriminationas well as power inequities between genders, between aid workers/volunteers and beneficiary communities, and within organisations,
create unequal powerdynamics resulting in environments where SEA can exist. SAVE ETHIOPIA acknowledges the impact of SEA on an individual’s health and wellbeing, and in particular thatnegative physical, mental health and social outcomes that are likely to be compounded when perpetrated by a person in authority. Given differing local contexts, SAVE ETHIOPIA workers and program participants may be faced with a range of unfamiliarsocial, cultural, financial or personal settings when working or volunteering overseas. Communities trust that the people representing SAVE ETHIOPIA will conductthemselves in a professional manner at all times and not engage in conduct contrary to the safety or wellbeing of the children and adults they come intocontact with.
Zero tolerance of practice or conduct or attitude by SAVE ETHIOPIA workers or partners or program participants that results in the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child or adult. SEA or allegations of SEA are never to be ignored by SAVE ETHIOPIA or partner organisation personnel. Such an attitude of ignoring actual or suspected SEA will not be tolerated and SAVE ETHIOPIA will immediately respond and take serious and immediate action to effectively address any concerns raised.
Take action to prevent SEA: SAVE ETHIOPIA aims to prevent SEA through implementation of this Policy, communication, training and working collaboratively with all personnel, country offices and partner organisations to safeguard everyone against SEA.
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6. POLICY
The following list of actions and responses are mandatorily expected of Save Ethiopia officers, workers, partners, program participants in both their personal and professional lives. The individuals and classes of people above must, at all times:
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maintain a duty to act at all times in a manner which upholds the values and reputation of SAVE ETHIOPIA
Undertake to create and maintain a safe and trusted environment that promotes the implementation of this Policy and safeguards everyone from SEA.
Comply with all relevant Australian and local laws of the country to which he or she is placed, or in which he or she is travelling.
Be aware that sexual exploitation and abuse is an area of particular sensitivity, where conduct may more easily be seen as offensive or be misinterpreted.
Ensure personal conduct towards a co-worker, partner program participant, program beneficiary is not exploitative or such that it reasonably leads to a perception of exploitation.
Read and agree to abide by the all Save Ethiopia policies and constitution.
Immediately report to SAVE ETHIOPIA any concern, suspicion or allegation of SEA or breach of the
SAVE ETHIOPIA Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy. Reporting procedures are outlined in section 6.4 below.
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In addition, SAVE ETHIOPIA workers must adhere to the following:
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SAVE ETHIOPIA workers must not engage in sexual relationships with program participants, approved adult dependents, or SAVE ETHIOPIA program beneficiaries as these relationships are based on inherently unequal power dynamics and there is the potential for abuse of power. Such
relationships undermine the credibility and integrityof SAVE ETHIOPIA and its programs.
Associates and members of Save Ethiopia working in Save Ethiopia’s programs must immediately inform their direct manager if they become engaged in a personal relationship which may be perceived as inappropriate or exploitative, or where real or perceived unequal power dynamics exist. Workers who are unsure if their relationships falls into this category should discuss the situation with save Ethiopia directors responsible for that particular program.
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Program participants, partners, associates, and accompanying adult dependents must adhere to the following expected behSaveEthiopiaours:
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Program participants/adult dependents should exercise caution when engaging in sexual relationships with SAVE ETHIOPIA program beneficiaries or other adult community members as these relationships may be based on inherently unequal power dynamics and there is the potential for abuse of power. As such, program participants should be mindful of the unique challenges and perceptions associated with such relationships and are encouraged to seek counsel from anSAVE ETHIOPIAdirector responsible for the program before entering into a relationship of this nature.
Program participants must immediately inform the Save Ethiopia director responsible for the program if they become engaged in a personal relationship which may beperceived as inappropriate or exploitative, or where real or perceived unequal power dynamics exist. Participants and
dependents who are unsure if theirrelationship falls into this category should discuss the situation with their Program Manager.
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It is strictly prohibited for SAVE ETHIOPIA workers, program participants and approved adult dependents to:
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Sexually exploit or abuse or sexually harass a child or adult.
Use their position of trust and authority to request any service or sexual favour from beneficiaries of SAVE ETHIOPIA programs, adults, children or others in the communities in which SAVE ETHIOPIA works, in return for protection or assistance, or coerce a person to engage in sexual intercourse or any sexual activity.
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Exchange or withhold from beneficiaries of SAVE ETHIOPIA programs – adults, children or others in the communities in which SAVE ETHIOPIA works – money, food, employment, goods, assistance or services for sex or sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative acts.
Have sex with sex workers when working or volunteering overseas, even when it is legal in the country.
Use, SAVE ETHIOPIA or partner organisation facilities, personnel or resources for the purpose of arranging or facilitating access to sex workers by any person, including visitors to SAVE ETHIOPIA offices or programs.
Engage in sexual activity with a child under any circumstance. Even in a country where the age of majority or the age of consent is lower than 18 years, SAVE ETHIOPIA workers, program participants and approved adult dependents are forbidden to have sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18 years. A mistaken belief that the child is over 18 is no defence.
Use computers, mobile phones, video cameras, cameras or other technology inappropriately, or to exploit or harass children, or access or disseminate child exploitative material through any medium, including social media
Procure sex for others, or use a third party to do so.
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6.1 Breach of Policy
Sexual exploitation and abuse by SAVE ETHIOPIA workers, program participants and approved adult dependents constitute acts of gross misconduct and are thereforegrounds for termination of any formal or informal association with Save Ethiopia.
Disciplinary actions/possible outcomes for breach of the SAVE ETHIOPIA Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy:
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Referral to local law enforcement authorities (as per national and any mandatory reporting laws),
where appropriate
Referral to Australian Federal Police, where appropriate
SAVE ETHIOPIA internal investigation
Suspension pending investigation
Performance management
Formal warning and monitoring
Termination of employment for workers or assignment for program participants.
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6.2 Responsibilities to prevent and respond to SEA
All SAVE ETHIOPIAofficers and members are responsible for championing good practice and maintaining an organisational culture that prioritises safeguarding against SEA. Managers at all levels have particular responsibilities to support and develop systems that maintain an environment that facilitates implementation ofthis Policy and which prevents SEA. They must ensure that SAVE ETHIOPIA workers and program participants understand and comply with this Policy. Office holders must create a safe environment at SAVE ETHIOPIA for anyone to come forward and
raise allegations or concerns of SEA and take action to immediately respond to any reports.
6.3 Recruitment and Performance Management
SAVE ETHIOPIA will apply robust recruitment and screening procedures for all SAVE ETHIOPIA workers, partners, program participants and approved adult dependents to reduce the risk of engaging a person with a background of unacceptable risks to children or adults, particularly vulnerable children and adults.
These procedures include:
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Verbal referee checks from an applicant’s last place of employment/volunteer/program placement including when working in overseas locations and will include a question regarding any concerns of sexual misconduct.
HR records to include performance or conduct issues regarding concerns or allegations of SEA.
All employment/assignment contracts must contain provisions for potential disciplinary action
including termination of employment/assignment followingbreach of this policy.
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6.4 Reporting and Investigation
Reporting Procedures
SAVE ETHIOPIA provides a safe, supportive and secure environment to report SEA. SAVE ETHIOPIA will take all concerns seriously and respond immediately. All reports of SEA will be recorded, regardless of whether substantiated or full investigation required. The principles of natural justice will apply to all investigations.
SAVE ETHIOPIAmembers,partners, program participants and accompanying adult dependents must immediately report any concerns, suspicions or allegations of SEA or breach ofthe SAVE ETHIOPIA Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy. A report should be made to one of the following
people as applicable:
Program participants and accompanying adult dependents may report a concern regarding sexual exploitation and abuse to any of the following people:
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The relevant Save Ethiopia director responsible for that particular program or project: if he/she feels comfortable doing so, and if the Director/Manager is not directly or indirectly implicatedin the alleged report
Operations Manager
SAVE ETHIOPIA Risk and Security Staff
Member of SAVE ETHIOPIAboard of directors based in Australia
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SAVE ETHIOPIAworkers, members, and office holders may report a concern regarding sexual exploitation and abuse to any of the following people:
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Their Line Manager: if the worker feels comfortable doing so, and if he/she is not directly or indirectly implicated in the alleged report
a member of the board of directors
A member of the SAVE ETHIOPIA Organisational Leadership Team (OLT)
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Anyone wishing to make a report anonymously can do so using the email address below. Any person reporting a case of SEA, in good faith, or any person who has cooperated with an investigation into a report of SEA, will be protected by thisPolicy. Malicious reporting of SEA with the intention of harming another person’s integrity or reputation amounts to misconduct and is subject to disciplinaryaction. This is distinct from reports made in good faith based on the judgment and information available at the time of the report, which may not be confirmedby an investigation.
Investigations
Investigations of SEA will be carried out in a manner that is timely, fair, objective and as far as is practicable, confidential. This includes the useof appropriate interviewing practice with complainants and witnesses. All information and documented evidence will be held securely and in
the strictestconfidence as far as is appropriate. The name of the complainant will not be revealed to the person(s) potentially implicated in the allegation or to anyother person unless the individual personally authorises the disclosure of their identity. This may become a requirement in subsequent investigative processes.
Sensitive information related to reports of SEA whether involving SAVE ETHIOPIA workers, program participants, accompanying adult dependents or others in the communities in which SAVE ETHIOPIA works shall be shared only with Australian or local law enforcement authorities, when a notification to police or appropriate authoritiesmust be made or on a ‘need to know’ basis.
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6.5 Survivor support and assistance
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SAVE ETHIOPIA will adopt a survivor-centred approach in preventing and responding to SEA. SAVE ETHIOPIA will ensure that all responses are developed in a manner that balances respect for due process with a survivor-centred approach in which the survivor’s wishes, safety and
wellbeing remain a priority in all matters and procedures.
Furthermore, all actions taken should be guided by respect for choices, wishes, rights and dignity of the survivor4.
SAVE ETHIOPIA will ensure survivors of SEA are offered support and assistance such as referral to
safe health/medical, psychosocial and legal/justice response whereappropriate and where required
to specialised children’s or women’s services.
Children have the right to participate in decisions that will affect them. If a decision is taken on
behalf of a child, the best interests of the childshall be the overriding guide. Referrals should be
done in consultation with child focused agencies specialising in the special needs of child survivors
of sexual abuse, and who are familiar with local procedures relating to the protection of children.
Survivors will be provided with information on the progression of an investigation and final
outcomes.
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6.6 Partner Organisations
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SAVE ETHIOPIA will work with Partner Organisations in the prevention of SEA and Partner
Organisations will be advised of avenues available to report concerns regardingSEA.
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