Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)

Sexual exploitation – the act or attempted abuse of a vulnerable position, power, or trust for sexual purposes,

committed by humanitarian workers against children and families receiving assistance.

Examples:

• demanding sexual favors in exchange for assistance (material, financial, political);
• refusal or threat of refusal of assistance in exchange for sexual favors;
• threats of sexual exploitation;
• purchasing services of individuals engaged in prostitution, even if officially accepted in the country.

Sexual abuse – the act or threat of physical action against sexual integrity, or with the use of force, or under unequal conditions,

or with coercion, committed by humanitarian workers against children and families receiving assistance.

Examples:

• any sexual acts with children;
• threats of unwanted sexual intercourse;
• attempted or actual physical penetration using force or coercion;
• any forced and/or unwanted sexual acts: touching, kissing, innuendo, inappropriate language and gestures, etc.

Sexual harassment – any unwanted sexual acts, requests for sexual favors, statements, physical actions, gestures, or any other behavior of a sexual nature that may offend or humiliate another person.

Examples:

• any forced and/or unwanted sexual acts: flirting, touching, kissing, innuendo, inappropriate language and gestures, etc.;
• attempted or actual sexual violence, rape;
• unwanted sexual acts/attention as a condition for employment, promotion, etc.

Zero Tolerance Policy for PSEA:

“Caritas Ukraine adopts a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse in any form. Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are acts of serious misconduct and grounds for disciplinary measures, including termination of employment in the usual manner.” Safeguarding Policy, item 11.1

Prohibition of sexual acts with children

Caritas Ukraine strictly prohibits sexual acts with children, regardless of their age, capacity (including in cases of full civil capacity), or reaching the age of sexual consent as defined by law, and regardless of the consent of the children themselves or their parents/guardians or other persons who legally represent the child’s interests. A mistaken belief regarding the child’s age is not considered an excuse for such a violation.” Child and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, item 9

Within the Caritas Ukraine network, it is strictly forbidden to:

• have any sexual interaction with children (persons under 18 years of age);
• abuse one’s authority to engage in sexual relations with a person in need (beneficiary);
• provide assistance, money, employment, goods, and services in exchange for sex or other sexual acts;
• have sexual relations with people engaged in prostitution, even if allowed in the country;
• commit unwanted sexual acts towards colleagues (flirting, touching, kissing, innuendo, inappropriate language and gestures, etc.).

Caritas Ukraine strives in its activities to prevent and combat any cases of PSEA. To this end, we take measures at various levels and in different directions:

1. Awareness. All employees, volunteers, partners, and contractors must know and understand the standards of behavior expected of them to avoid sexual exploitation and abuse.
2. Prevention. The organization creates a safe working environment through the application of appropriate policies and mechanisms, ensuring everyone understands how to minimize any PSEA risks.
3. Reporting. Employees, volunteers, partners, and contractors must know how to act if suspicions or problems related to PSEA arise.
4. Response. The organization promptly addresses all reports of PSEA, assists victims, and ensures their safety and well-being.