POLICY AGAINST SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE (PSEA)
1. Introduction
This Policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse outlines the commitment of Jouzour Loubnan Association to providing a safe and respectful environment for all individuals involved in its work, including staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, partners, and communities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all activities undertaken by Jouzour Loubnan Association, including field work, office work, online interaction, and events.
3. Definitions
Sexual Exploitation: The use of another person's vulnerability, power imbalance, or trust for sexual purposes, including forced prostitution, trafficking for sexual purposes, and any form of exchange of resources (e.g., employment, aid) for sex.
Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or activity, including physical assault, rape, threats of violence, and intimidation.
4. Principles
Zero Tolerance: Jouzour Loubnan Association has zero tolerance for Sexual Abuse and Exploitation and will take all necessary steps to prevent, investigate, and address any such violations.
Confidentiality: Jouzour Loubnan Association will respect the confidentiality of all individuals involved in reports of Sexual Abuse or Exploitation.
Fairness: Jouzour Loubnan Association will ensure fair and impartial investigations and procedures for all parties involved.
Support: Jouzour Loubnan Association will provide support to all individuals affected by Sexual Abuse or Exploitation, including providing access to appropriate resources and services.
5. Prevention
Code of Ethics and Conduct: Jouzour Loubnan Association developed and implemented a Code of Ethics and Conduct outlining acceptable and unacceptable behaviour for all stakeholders.
Reporting Mechanisms: Jouzour Loubnan Association established clear and accessible reporting mechanisms for all individuals to report incidents of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, including anonymous options as detailed in the Annexe.
Risk Assessment: Jouzour Loubnan Association will conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential risks of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation in its work and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
6. Reporting and Investigation Procedures
Reporting Process: Any individual who experiences or witnesses Sexual Abuse and Exploitation is encouraged to report the incident to the President of Jouzour Loubnan Association following the established reporting mechanisms.
Investigation Process: The President of Jouzour Loubnan Association will conduct thorough and impartial investigations into all reported incidents of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. Based on the investigation findings, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against perpetrators, including dismissal and potentially reporting to legal authorities.
7. Support for Affected Individuals
Jouzour Loubnan Association will provide support to all individuals affected by Sexual Abuse or Exploitation, including access to psychological and medical support. Jouzour Loubnan Association will ensure that no individual experiencing Sexual Abuse or Exploitation faces negative consequences due to reporting the incident.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation
Jouzour Loubnan Association will regularly monitor the implementation of this Policy and its effectiveness in preventing and addressing Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. Jouzour Loubnan Association will conduct regular evaluations of this Policy to identify areas for improvement.
9. Accessibility
This Policy will be made available in English and accessible formats to ensure understanding and accessibility for all stakeholders.
10. Implementation and review
Jouzour Loubnan Association assigned responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of this Policy to its President. Jouzour Loubnan Association will ensure that all stakeholders are aware of / understand this Policy.
This Policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect legal changes, best practices, and the evolving needs of Jouzour Loubnan Association.
All board and staff members of Jouzour Loubnan will have to sign a copy of the present Policy acknowledging their understanding and acceptance of its terms and conditions.
Annexe: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse reporting mechanisms
A. Introduction
This document outlines the reporting mechanisms available for all individuals to report incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse within Jouzour Loubnan Association. We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed sexual exploitation and abuse to come forward, regardless of their role or relationship with the organization. All reports will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.
B. Reporting Options
B.1. Designated Focal Persons:
Two trusted individuals, a man and a woman (the Focal Persons), have been designated as confidential contact persons to receive reports of sexual exploitation and abuse. Their names and contact information are widely communicated.
These individuals will provide initial support and guidance to reporting individuals and initiate the investigation process.
B.2. Submission:
Submission including the nature of the allegation, the date and the location will be directed:
- Either to the email of one of the two Focal respectively; or
- By an anonymous letter sent to one of the two Focal Persons.
B.3. Reporting Procedure:
When reporting to a designated Focal Person, a private and confidential space for conversation will be ensured.
All reports will be documented, and initial support will be offered to the reporting individual. The sexual exploitation and abuse Focal Person that has been notified shall initiate the investigation process.
B.4. Confidentiality and Anonymity:
- Jouzour Loubnan Association understands the importance of confidentiality and anonymity for individuals reporting sexual exploitation and abuse;
- All reports will be handled with the utmost discretion and sensitivity;
- The identity of the reporting individual will not be disclosed without their explicit consent;
- Anonymity will be protected in all reporting channels, including the online form and third-party hotline.
C. Support for Reporting Individuals:
Throughout the reporting and investigation process, Jouzour Loubnan Association will provide support to the reporting individual, including:
- Emotional and psychological support through counselling or referrals;
- Medical assistance if needed;
- Legal advice and representation, if requested;
- Security measures to ensure their safety and well-being.
D. Investigation Process:
A fair and impartial investigation will be conducted for all reported incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse. The investigation will be led by the Policy focal point and may involve additional staff or external investigators as needed.
The investigation will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the credibility of the allegations. The reporting individual will be kept informed of the investigation progress and have the opportunity to provide additional information.
E. Outcomes and measures:
Based on the investigation findings, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against perpetrators, including termination of employment or volunteer engagement. Supportive measures and resources will be provided to the reporting individual, regardless of the investigation outcome.
Jouzour Loubnan Association will take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, such as reviewing policies and procedures and providing additional training on sexual exploitation and abuse prevention.
F. Continuous Improvement:
Jouzour Loubnan Association will regularly review and update its reporting mechanisms to ensure effectiveness and accessibility. Feedback from stakeholders will be actively sought to identify areas for improvement.
The Focal Persons regarding the Policy against Sexual exploitation and Abuse are:
Mr. Farid Maalouf farid_maalouf@hotmail.com Mobile: 03 204 192
Address: Maalouf building Ground Floor, Chmiss Street, Achkout, Keserwan, Lebanon
Mrs. Maya Wakim mayawakim15@gmail.com Mobile: 03 677 279
Address: Imm Chawkat Khodr, 6e étage, Rue Khalil Ksseib, Sioufi, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon