MESSAGE LIBRARY:

PSEA

prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)

FOR ADULTS

How to prevent children being exploited

Talk with children and community members about the risks associated with people who offer to take care of children or offer them jobs or education in the city (in exchange for food, shelter, medicine, money); children may be at risk of being hurt or exploited.

If you suspect there are people who are taking children away from their family or caregivers, inform a reputable protection agency or the local authorities immediately. Contact [insert info].

The importance of talking to your children about consensual sex

Talk with your daughters and sons about relationships. Talking with girls and boys about the difference between respectful and harmful relations and how to avoid, reject or defend themselves against sexual harassment, violence and peer pressure can help them be more prepared in the future.

FOR ALL

Right to humanitarian assistance

You have a right to humanitarian assistance. You do not need to give money or sexual favours to receive it. Contact [insert info] if you are asked for this.

Humanitarian principles / CFM

You have the right to complain and to report any inappropriate behaviour, exploitation or abuse by aid workers, including any UN staff and peacekeepers. A complaints system has been set up at [insert info]. Contact [insert info] for further support and advice about this.

Commitments on staff behaviour

Our staff are obliged to treat with people respect and not to exploit, abuse or otherwise discriminate against people. You can expect that the organisations assisting you and your community are managing resources responsibly for the benefit of your community. You should not be asked for sexual favours, money or anything else in return for humanitarian assistance. If our staff behave inappropriately towards you or someone else, or you think that resources aren't being well managed you should [insert details of mechanism to raise issues].

Importance of listening to and supporting survivors

If someone tells you they have been hurt or abused, let them know it is not their fault and that they are not alone. Help them access the services they need, especially medical facilities. Assistance is available at [insert details].

FOR CHILDREN

Importance of not being alone when going out at night

Do not walk alone, especially at night. Always go with someone you know and trust when collecting water or firewood and buying food. At night ask an adult to take you to the latrines. Try and use paths that are well lit. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

Location of where to find help   

If you feel threatened or afraid, speak to someone you trust who can help you, or go to a school, child friendly space or medical clinic. These can be found at [insert info here]. There you can get advice on services that have been set up for people and families affected by the emergency.

REFERENCES

For more information on this topic, we recommend you read the following references.

Inter-Agency Standing Committee (2019). IASC Six Core Principles
https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/inter-agency-standing-committee/iasc-six-core-principles-relating-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse

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