Protection against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy

Neem foundation have zero tolerance on Sexual exploitation and abuse based on our organization PSEA policy.

As Neem Foundation we understand the importance of preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and stress the need for immediate, decisive action when such acts do occur.

As part of our continuous effort and commitment to improving the lives of populations and communities affected by violence and conflict, Neem shall continue maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and abuse adhering to the code of conduct and Prevention response against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Sexual Harassment

These SEA actions inflict harms to victims and families and goes against the Neem’s values and principles. For this reason, we have taken action to tailor actionable policies to reinforce our mechanism for preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse

 

Policy framework and procedure

In our fortitudes, to prevent sexual exploitation and Abuse (SEA) , Neem has introduced policies and procedures ….that applies to all staff, partners and contractors .This means the prohibition and exploitation and abuse also forms as part of Neem’s partnership agreements with individual contractors ,service contract holders and implementing partners

Neem does not partner with organizations that fail to adhere or fail to address Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA)

 

Prevention

We maintain organization culture that, has equal representation of women and men at all levels of the organization and the adequacy of the living and working environment all contribute to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.

PSEA also remains the responsibility of the senior management team, all managers, staff and service providers. All staff have responsibilities to maintain the organization Ethics, code of conduct that are inculcates the PSEA as core importance.

Each staff should understand the importance of engaging in collective efforts to prevent and respond to SEA, and to mainstream PSEA into Neem’s programme activities.

Neem also works to identify and reduce the risk of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) through training and awareness raising strategy that lives up to our fundamental principles. Training courses of PSEA is mandatory to current staff and induction procedure for new staff.

 

Response

We are committed to Preventing and Responding by taking appropriate measures addressing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. Through:

  • Terminating contracts with partner or service provider
  • Excluding partner or service provided involved in ongoing /future engagement.

 

Reporting Mechanism (refer to Neem policies and procedure)

Neem has institutional experiences in responding to GBV by providing support in psychological assistance and advocacy. We ensure that complaint mechanism for reporting sexual exploitation and abuse are accessible for receiving complaints.

Neem staff members are protected from retaliation for reporting of SEA. Retribution/retaliation in any form is prohibited at Neem foundation and if established it constitutes as misconduct.

We also ensure to Investigate allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in a timely and professional manner. By swift and appropriate action against our personnel who commit sexual exploitation and abuse. This may include administrative or disciplinary action, and/or referral to the relevant authorities for appropriate action, including criminal prosecution.

 

What is PSEA?

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) to refer to actions taken to protect vulnerable people from sexual exploitation and abuse by our own staff and associated personnel.

Sexual assault (defined as “any unwanted or forced sexual act committed without consent”) or threat thereof. Sexual assault can occur either against a person’s will, by force or coercion, or when a person is incapable of giving consent, such as when they are under duress, under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Force includes:

  • actual physical aggression, including but not limited to: rape, forcible sodomy, forcible oral copulation, sexual assault with an object, sexual battery, forcible fondling (e.g., unwanted touching or kissing);
  • threats of physical aggression;
  • emotional coercion; and/or
  • psychological blackmailing.
  • Unwanted touching of a sexual nature
  • Demanding sex in any context
  • Making sex a condition for assistance
  • Forcing sex, forcing someone to have sex with anyone
  • Forcing a person to engage in prostitution or pornography
  • Refusing to use safe sex practices
  • Videotaping or photographing sexual acts and posting it without permission
  • Alleging or threatening to allege that anyone already has a history of prostitution on legal papers
  • Name-calling with sexual epithets
  • Insisting on anything sexual, including jokes that may be uncomfortable, frightening or hurtful
  • Telling someone that they or anyone else are obliged to have sex as a condition for anything