Abuse and exploitation
Abuse – any act or omission that causes harm to another person; may include physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence and neglect; also includes online abuse through information technologies.
Exploitation – abuse of a position of vulnerability, hierarchy of power or trust, use of force or other forms of coercion to obtain monetary, social, political, or other benefits.
“Caritas Ukraine strongly condemns and prohibits all forms of abuse and exploitation. Personnel and Affiliates must contribute to building a harmonious work environment based on team spirit, mutual respect, and understanding.” Safeguarding Policy, item 10.1
“Caritas Ukraine condemns and prohibits all manifestations of violence and abuse, which can take various forms, including: physical violence, sexual violence, psychological/emotional and economic violence, neglect, abandonment of a child / vulnerable adult, exploitation and human trafficking, etc.” Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, item 10.1
All employees, volunteers, partners, and contractors of Caritas Ukraine network member organizations must respect the dignity of all those they help and adhere to high moral and professional standards in their conduct.
Within the Caritas Ukraine network, it is strictly prohibited to:
- Cause physical or emotional harm to people (by action or inaction).
- Exchange money, work, goods, or services in exchange for sex or any other
- humiliating or exploitative behavior.
- Engage in sexual relationships with people being assisted, as this constitutes
- abuse of position. Such relationships undermine trust in humanitarian aid and its
- integrity.
- Hire, offer money, goods, services, or other benefits in exchange for any
- actions that degrade human dignity (including actions of a sexual nature).
- Use one’s authority or position to obtain payments, benefits, or other
- personal gain.
- Engage in harassment, discrimination, physical or verbal abuse,
- intimidation, favoritism, or exploitation.
- Participate in human trafficking.
Caritas Ukraine strongly advises against engaging in sexual relationships with people you work with, as such relationships are based on unequal terms and contradict the organization’s values. This can undermine credibility and affect the performance of work functions and tasks. In all cases where you work with people with whom you have close relationships, a conflict of interest check must be conducted and reported if confirmed, according to established rules in accordance with the Conflict of Interest Prevention Policy.
