Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH)

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH)

WOMEN AND CHILD RESILIENCE FOUNDATION (WCR INDONESIA)

I. INTRODUCTION

WCR Indonesia focuses on building resilience among women, youth, and children to survive, adapt, and recover from crises and complex life dynamics. The foundation considers protection of human dignity and safety as the core of all institutional and program activities.

As a research and capacity-building organization, WCR Indonesia interacts directly with various community groups, especially women, children, and other vulnerable populations. Both online and offline interactions require clear protection standards to ensure a safe, inclusive, and dignified environment free from exploitation, violence, and sexual harassment.

WCR Indonesia is committed to gender equality, human rights, and special protection for women and children who are socially more vulnerable to abuse of power. Prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment is both an ethical duty and integral to the organization’s empowerment mission.

All programs and activities follow principles of a safe environment, free from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH). This applies to management, staff, volunteers, consultants, partners, and all who interact with beneficiaries. All individuals must adhere to professional behavior, maintain healthy boundaries, and avoid abuse of power.

This policy reflects WCR Indonesia’s commitment to effectively prevent, detect, respond to, and address PSEAH cases with justice, accountability, confidentiality, and a victim-centered approach, emphasizing zero tolerance for acts that demean, threaten, or violate the rights of women, children, and vulnerable groups.

II. OBJECTIVES

The policy aims to:

1. Prevent sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment in all organizational activities
2. Set behavioral standards for all involved parties
3. Provide safe, accessible, and reliable reporting mechanisms
4. Ensure fair, prompt, and victim-centered case handling
5. Protect victims, reporters, and witnesses from retaliation

III. LEGAL BASIS

• Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia
• Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code
• Law No. 44 of 2008 on Pornography
• Law No. 35 of 2014 on Child Protection
• Law No. 7 of 1984 ratifying CEDAW
• Law No. 23 of 2004 on Domestic Violence Elimination
• Law No. 21 of 2007 on Human Trafficking and Law No. 19 of 2016 amending Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic Transactions
• Article 86(1) of Law No.13 of 2003 on Employment regarding moral protection
• ILO Convention No.111 on Discrimination ratified by Law No.21 of 1999
• Law No. 40 of 2008 on Elimination of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination
• Kemnaker & ILO Guidelines on Workplace Sexual Harassment (SE.03/MEN/IV/2011)

IV. SCOPE

This policy applies to:

• Management and board
• All staff (permanent, contract, interns)
• Volunteers, consultants, and experts
• Partners and third parties
• Program beneficiaries

It applies to office, field, online, and informal work-related interactions.

V. DEFINITIONS

• Sexual Exploitation: Misuse of power, trust, or vulnerability for sexual purposes, including financial, social, or political gain.
• Sexual Abuse: Acts that demean, insult, harass, or attack a person’s body or reproductive functions, including physical and non-physical forms such as rape, molestation, forced sexual exploitation, or pornography.
• Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual behavior, speech, or action that diminishes dignity and creates an intimidating or hostile environment, including physical, verbal, nonverbal, or digital forms.
• Consent: Freely given, informed agreement without pressure.
• Victim/Survivor: Individual experiencing PSEAH.
• Reporter: Individual reporting suspected PSEAH.
• Witness: Individual with knowledge or information of an incident.

VI. PRINCIPLES

• Zero Tolerance: No tolerance for any PSEAH
• Victim-Centered Approach: Prioritize safety, needs, and choices of victims
• Confidentiality: Strictly protect information
• Non-Discrimination: Regardless of gender, age, background, or social status
• Accountability: All actions must be accountable
• Do No Harm: Avoid additional harm to victims

VII. CODE OF ETHICS AND BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

• Respect the dignity and rights of every individual
• Maintain professional boundaries in all interactions
• Avoid exploitative or unequal relationships
• Avoid situations that may create conflicts of interest or abuse of power
• Report suspected violations

VIII. PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

• Sexual relationships with beneficiaries in vulnerable positions
• Requesting or receiving sexual favors
• Any form of sexual harassment
• Using position or power for sexual purposes
• Involving children in sexual activity
• Accessing, storing, or distributing pornography in a work context

IX. PREVENTION

• Integrate PSEAH into organizational policies
• Regular training and capacity building
• Transparent and integrity-based recruitment
• Integrity pact signed by all personnel
• Internal and external awareness campaigns

X. REPORTING MECHANISM

Reports can be submitted via:

• Official organizational email
• Hotline
• Online/offline reporting forms
• Anonymous channel (whistleblowing)

Reporting principles:

• Confidentiality: Identity of reporter, victim, and witness protected; access on a need-to-know basis
• No retaliation: Good-faith reporters protected from intimidation, threats, discrimination, or retaliation
• Professional and victim-sensitive handling: Processes are professional, objective, and victim-centered, ensuring respect, empathy, and safety

XI. CASE HANDLING PROCEDURES

1. Receipt of report
2. Initial screening
3. Internal investigation
4. Decision-making
5. Follow-up and recovery

Ensuring:

• Physical and psychological safety of victims
• Access to support services (psychological, medical, legal)
• Accompaniment throughout the process

XII. PROTECTION OF VICTIMS AND REPORTERS

WCR Indonesia ensures protection of victims, reporters, and witnesses from intimidation, threats, discrimination, or retaliation. Any retaliation is treated as a serious violation and sanctioned according to organizational rules.

XIII. SANCTIONS

• Written warning
• Suspension
• Termination of employment
• Termination of partnership
• Reporting to law enforcement

XIV. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Management: Ensure implementation and oversight
• Staff: Comply and report violations
• Partners: Follow standards
• PSEAH Unit: Receive and handle reports

XV. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The policy will be periodically reviewed to ensure effectiveness and compliance with regulations and organizational needs.

XVI. CLOSING

This policy reflects WCR Indonesia’s official commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment free from exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment.

Established in Jakarta
Date: 20 July 2023

Dr. Margaretha Hanita, S.H, M.Si.
Chairperson of Women and Child Resilience Foundation