GOAL Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse
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GOAL Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse Version 1 (2020)
Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse GOAL Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse Members: All GOAL staff and members Title: GOAL Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse Document type: Guide Version: Version 1, September 2020 Classification: General Distribution Authors: Global Safeguarding Advisor & GESI Advisor Owned by: Global Safeguarding Advisor Reviewed and approved by: Mary van Lieshout, Fay Ballard Next review date: Table of Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 2. Before a Disclosure ............................................................................................................... 1 3. Basic Principles for Dealing with a Disclosure ........................................................................ 2 3.1 Survivor-Centred Approach .................................................................................................... 2 3.2 Dos and Do Nots During a Disclosure ..................................................................................... 5 4. Step-by-Step Guide for Individuals Receiving a Concern or Disclosure .................................... 7 4.1 How Concerns of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse are Managed ............................................. 8 5. Self-Care............................................................................................................................... 9
Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse 1 1. Introduction Welcome to GOAL’s Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse. All GOAL staff should be familiar with this Guide, as any of us could receive a concern or disclosure from programme participants, communities, partners, suppliers/contractors or our own colleagues. In the course of our work, an individual may share with you a concern they may have relating to GOAL’s programming work, the behaviour of GOAL staff, or that of the staff of partners or suppliers/contractors. Individuals may also share concerns relating to events or behaviour within their homes and communities. Indeed, even when Community Feedback Mechanisms with various channels are available, data have shown that most people prefer to share their concerns face-to-face. Some of these concerns may be serious in nature, including concerns relating to sexual exploitation and abuse. An individual may disclose details of an event that they have experienced or have become aware of. Therefore, it is important that we are well prepared and equipped to respond appropriately, to support the survivor and handle the situation well, and to understand how to report the concern quickly and efficiently. We must be aware of the ways in which we can be prepared: • Before a disclosure – how can we organise ourselves? • During a disclosure – how should we respond? • After a disclosure – how should we report? This Guide provides an overview of the key pieces of information that we need to know. Should you have any questions or queries about this Guide, please don’t hesitate to contact your Safeguarding Focal Point or the Global Safeguarding Advisor. 2. Before a Disclosure • Familiarise yourself with this Guide, including the basic principles for dealing with a disclosure of sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, the key dos and do nots, and how to report concerns received. • Know who your Safeguarding Focal Point is within GOAL, who can guide you and provide advice.1 • Understand how to report concerns of sexual abuse or sexual exploitation to GOAL. Internally, this is typically done by immediately contacting your Safeguarding Focal Point. If you are not comfortable with this option, you can contact a line manager, or alternatively via GOAL’s SpeakUp channel - speakup@goal.ie. • Be aware of existing services and referral options. This includes services related to child protection, gender-based violence, mental health and psychosocial support, services for people with disabilities, services for sexual and gender minorities, health services, legal services, services for adolescents/youth, and so on. This piece of work on mapping existing services is led by your Safeguarding Focal Point with support from the Global Safeguarding Advisor. If you don’t have a copy, reach out to your Safeguarding Focal Point. 1 If you are not sure who your Safeguarding Focal Point(s) is, look at the posters on display in your office that show this information, or contact your line manager to find out.
Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse 2 • You may also wish to familiarise yourself with the basic concepts of Psychological First Aid (PFA). PFA is not professional counselling, but instead is something that everyone can provide. It can equip us with tools that we can draw upon if or when we receive a disclosure from someone, based on the principles of Look, Listen, Link. Take a look at the World Health Organization’s PFA Guide for Field Workers, which is available in multiple languages. You can take an introductory course online (such as the one available here), and you can download a PFA mobile app here. 3. Basic Principles for Dealing with a Disclosure 3.1 Survivor-Centred Approach A survivor is a person who has been abused or exploited. The term ‘survivor’ is often used in preference to ‘victim’ as it implies strength, resilience and the capacity to survive, however it is the individual’s choice how they wish to identify themselves. A survivor-centred approach means that the survivor’s rights, wishes, needs and best interests are respected and are central to the response. This approach is informed by years of theory, practice, advocacy and research.2 Failure to use a survivor-centred approach can lead to greater risk of shame, stigma, feelings of powerlessness, victim-blaming attitudes, and discriminatory practices. 2 GBV IMS Steering Committee. (2017) Interagency Gender-Based Violence Case Management Guidelines. Gender-based Violence Information Management System (GBV IMS) Steering Committee.
Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse 3 Survivor-Centred vs. Survivor-Led Approaches3 3 Survivor-centred approach: As part of this approach, the organisation gives the survivor control over the decision-making processes after the incident, provides internal support and arranges for support from relevant professional bodies. Under certain circumstances, however, the organisation may reclaim decision-making authority from the survivor, for example, if: • survivors request levels of confidentiality that would prevent adequate responses or involvement from professionals; or • survivors’ choices place them at risk of further harm from injuries suffered or expose them and others to risk of further harm from perpetrators; or • survivors may be of harm to themselves or others; or • the situation involves children; or • the context requires mandatory reporting . In such cases, survivors may feel less in control, but the focus of the approach is ultimately on their recovery and health and on the protection of others. Any decisions taken by an organisation will be done in consultation with the survivor and will be informed by a risk assessment process. In cases where a child is involved, the best interests of the child will guide any decision making. Survivor-led approach: This approach grants the survivor total decision-making control over all aspects of the response process. To fulfil survivors’ wishes and thereby support their recovery, an organisation may thus have to disregard its own policies or procedures. In this context, survivors may feel more in control. However, decisions made as part of this process could potentially lead to risks of harm, for the survivor and/or for others. Organisations should inform survivors of their options following an incident, regardless of what approach is used. A structure should be in place to ensure the survivor has control but is not overwhelmed with decision-making during this potentially traumatic period. It is also key that organisation communicates early if there are limitations to the available support and issues around confidentiality due to the circumstances surrounding the case, e.g. if the alleged perpetrator is a member of staff. Remember that it may have taken a lot of courage for someone to share information or an experience with you. This can be incredibly personal and painful for the individual, and it is important that we respond appropriately so as not to shame, humiliate, further traumatise or otherwise have a negative impact on the survivor or person sharing the information. 3 Adapted from: EISF. (2019) Managing Sexual Violence against Aid Workers: prevention, preparedness, response and aftercare. European Interagency Security Forum (EISF).
Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse 4 GOAL aims to follow the principles of a survivor-centred approach, which are: Respect Safety Survivor- Centred Approach Non- Confidentiality Discrimination Figure 1: The Four Principles of the Survivor-Centred Approach • Respect: This is a core value of GOAL, underpinned by valuing and listening to others. Respect for the dignity, rights, wishes and needs of the survivor must guide our response. Failure to do so can lead to re-victimisation and further harm. • Safety: The safety of the survivor and their family is a key priority. Our response must consider the safety and security of the survivor, their family members, witnesses and those providing support (as well as that of the alleged perpetrator and others involved in the concern). The response must be informed by the risk of further violence to the survivor by the perpetrator(s) or others. • Confidentiality: This means treating the survivor’s information with respect at all stages of the response, with the survivor choosing and providing informed consent regarding who their information is shared with. Information relating to the concern and subsequent case management should be shared on a need-to-know basis only and should always be kept secure. Where there are mandatory reporting policies for cases of sexual exploitation and abuse involving humanitarian workers, the survivor must be informed of whom the information will be shared with. This also applies to other situations where there may be limitations to confidentiality, such as when there are concerns about the immediate safety of the survivor or others, or where there are mandatory reporting laws and legal requirements. • Non-discrimination: Our response should not in any way be discriminatory or judgmental. Fair and equal support should be provided to survivors, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, race, religion, language, marital status, politics, social class or any characteristic. Furthermore, survivors should receive fair and equal treatment regardless of the situation in which the violence occurred, or who the perpetrator is.
Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse 5 3.2 Dos and Do Nots During a Disclosure Some basic principles for dealing with a disclosure of harm, abuse or exploitation include: ✓ Accept what the person says ✘ Don’t seek help while the survivor is talking to you, stay with them until they have finished ✓ Keep calm and use a low, soothing voice speaking and/or crying. Remember, it may have taken the person a lot of courage and time to ✓ Fully take the local environment and culture build up to disclosing the information. into consideration ✘ Do not appear shocked and don’t panic ✓ Be honest ✘ Do not promise not to tell anyone; explain ✓ Be aware that the person may have been that you may need to report this to your threatened, and so may be fearful about sharing organisation, and that you may need to tell a this information parent / doctor / counsellor (depending on the scenario), to seek help and support for the person ✓ VERY IMPORTANT – Reassure the person that they are not to blame ✘ Never ask leading questions, instead repeat the last words the person has said in a ✓ VERY IMPORTANT – Reassure the person that questioning manner they were right to tell you ✘ Try not to repeat the same questions – for this ✓ Let the person know what you are going to do reason, it is important to stay calm and focused next and that you will let them know what happens ✘ Never push for information ✓ Take proper steps to ensure the physical safety and psychological wellbeing of the ✘ Don’t fill in words, finish their sentences or person. This may include referring them for make assumptions medical treatment, to a psychologist or to a place of safety. Link with your Safeguarding ✘ Do not permit personal doubt to prevent you Focal Point who will support with this action. from reporting the allegation ✓ Make certain you distinguish between what the person has actually said and the inferences you may have made. Accuracy is very important in this stage of the procedure. Make sure to keep a copy of the ✓ As soon as possible, when you have finished key dos and do nots somewhere being with the person, document what the person told you using the Initial Serious easily accessible so that you can Wrongdoing Report (Child + Adult SG Policy look over them regularly. Annex 3) or other paper, if this is not available. Include: how the person seemed, words the Why not print them out and person used to describe the harm, abuse or exploitation, dates/times the person detailed stick them inside the cover of the abuse as having occurred, and names of your notebook? people the person mentioned. Date and sign this documentation (even if it is untidily completed on loose paper).
Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse 6 In addition to the above, further considerations when receiving a disclosure from a child include:4 Ask the child if they want to find a quiet and ☹ Do not use big or complex words, or speak private place to take - make sure others can see more than the child you, but cannot hear you ☹ Do not touch or make physical contact with Ensure that you are sitting at the child's eye the child level, and maintain open body language ☹ Do not make promises you cannot keep, Ask girls and boys if they want to talk to an such as "everything will be OK" when it is not adult woman or man of the same gender within your control to assure a child's well-being Let the child express themselves and use ☹ Do not force the child to continue talking their own words with you if they do not want to Ask if there is someone that child trusts, and ☹ Do not force a child to have their caregiver if they want help in reaching out to this person, or any other person with them when they talk to or accompaniment to find this person you as these individuals may have perpetrated the violence, or the child may not want to share Stay with the child until they feel safe or are their experience with them in the care of someone who they identify as safe and trusted ☹ Do not leave a child unattended while they are in distress, e.g. crying, angry or in shock “I am going to “I can’t believe that “You are try to help you” would happen” “Oh, that not to blame” explains a lot” “No not … he is a “I believe you” friend of mine” “Why? How? When? Where? Who?” “I will help you” Things to Say Things Not to Say “You should have told someone before” Repeat the last few words in a questioning manner “I can’t believe it. “I am glad you “I won’t tell I am shocked.” have told me” anyone else” Figure 2: Things to Say and Things Not to Say during a Disclosure 4 Adapted from Inter-Agency. (2018) How to Support Survivors of Gender-Based Violence when a GBV Actor is Not Available in Your Area: A Step-by-Step Pocket Guide for Humanitarian Practitioners.
Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse 7 4. Step-by-Step Guide for Individuals Receiving a Concern or Disclosure A concern about or an incident of sexual abuse or sexual exploitation is disclosed to you in the course of your work Ensure your own safety and that of others - follow security protocols as necessary Ask the person if they are safe. Contact medical or emergency services if immediate urgent assistance is required. Follow the dos and do nots. Listen to the survivor (or other person who is disclosing the information), remembering the principles of respect, safety, confidentiality and non-discrimination. Inform the survivor of your mandate to report this information – confidentially – to your organisation, of the confidentiality procedures in place, and what they can expect from the complaint handling process Consider: 1.) Is the survivor in imminent danger? 2.) May the survivor be of harm to themselves or others? 3.) Does the situation involve children? 4.) Does the context require mandatory reporting to the authorities in this location? Yes to any of the above No to all of the above Provide the survivor with accurate information on These situations require more specialised support. available services (refer to context mapping document) Following the initial conversation, immediately contact your Safeguarding Focal Point who can support in this scenario. Are you unsure about whether or not to report? Cannot reach Safeguarding Focal Contact made with Point (e.g. network connection Safeguarding Focal Point I am not sure if I I am sure I should difficulties) should report report Safeguarding Focal Point will provide Simply report! Do not make Reach out to the next level escalation point support and judgement calls nor – your line manager. You may also contact guidance from this investigate for further detail. the Protection Cluster where this exists. point You will be provided with guidance and support from this point. When you have finished speaking with the survivor, If there are communication delays, you can document what the person told you and report the provide the survivor with accurate disclosure immediately (no later than 24 hours) and information on relevant available services confidentially to your Safeguarding Focal Point – call, (refer to context mapping document). arrange to meet, or send an SMS outlining that you need to speak to them urgently. The survivor may agree for you to contact a service provider on their behalf. In such a Alternatively, you may wish to report to your line case, you must obtain informed consent manager, or use the GOAL SpeakUp channel - from the survivor. In the case of a child, speakup@goal.ie. any request to contact a service provider must be guided by the best interests of the child, with the participation of the child The Safeguarding Focal Point (or alternative suitable contact) will (depending on their age and maturity). guide you through the next steps, including filling the reporting form and potentially including service and referral information (informed by the context mapping document)
Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse 8 4.1 How Concerns of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse are Managed Once you have reported the concern or disclosure, this will be handled by the organisation according to GOAL’s robust case management procedures and you will receive the necessary supports. The process that will be followed by GOAL is below and shows how such cases will be taken forward from the point of reporting and managed by the organisation. At the point of reporting the concern or disclosure, you have fulfilled your duty to report and are not required to do anything further except to uphold the principle of maintaining confidentiality. GOAL will contact you if it needs further information or to speak with you about the concern reported. An safeguarding incident is reported via: Safecall speakup@goal.ie CFM The Safeguarding Advisor is Alerted and brought in for consultation. The Complaints Response Group, SG Advisor, and the relevant country office discuss the case and develop an Investigation Plan. The CRG The case is discusses the The investigation is conducted and an shared with case every investigation report is written. the ARC. week. The ARC When the investigation is complete, the shares the investigation report is shared with: case with the board. Internal Relevant Charity Donors Stakeholders Regulators Figure 3: Flow Chart of How Concerns of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse are Managed
Guide for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Exploitation or Abuse 9 5. Self-Care After you have engaged with a survivor (or someone else) who has made a disclosure, it is important to remember self-care for yourself. It can be very challenging to hear about other people’s experiences of sexual exploitation or abuse. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your Safeguarding Focal Point or manager should you need to debrief (bearing in mind confidentiality) or require other supports. Check in with your Human Resources Team for more information on what resources might be available to you, either internally, externally or via your health insurance providers. The World Health Organization’s Psychological First Aid Guide for Field Workers also includes a chapter on Caring for Yourself & Your Colleagues which you may find helpful. Additionally, the Headington Institute provides a wealth of resources, self-assessments, blog posts, online courses and advice specifically for the humanitarian sector. Their resources related to Stress & Burnout and Trauma may be particularly useful to explore in the context of this Guide.
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