7.1 The Seven Core Principles Relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

7.1 The Seven Core Principles Relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse´

This standard is aligned with the UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) that provides a useful basis for organisations to develop policies and procedures for preventing and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. The IASC principles provide clarity on what constitutes sexual exploitation and abuse, how this is defined as misconduct which is reflected in the organisational codes of conduct. The seven core principles relating to SEA adopted to WAGGGS' context of work are:

1. Sexual exploitation and abuse by WAGGGS Staff and Volunteers are serious offenses and will result in termination of employment, contracts, agreements, or positions.
2. No sexual activity with children (persons under 18) is allowed, regardless of local age laws. Mistaken belief about a child's age is not an excuse.
3. Offering money, jobs, goods, or services in exchange for sex, or any demeaning behavior, is prohibited. This includes withholding assistance from those we serve.
4. WAGGGS Staff and Volunteers members must not engage in sexual relationships with those receiving assistance if it involves misuse of their position. Such actions harm our integrity.
5. Any sexual relationship that could exploit trust is banned, regardless of the parties' roles or ages.
6. If WAGGGS Staff or Volunteers suspect sexual abuse or exploitation by anyone, they must report it using WAGGGS' reporting methods.
7. Everyone must maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and abuse, following our code of conduct. WAGGGS Staff Managers or Volunteers Leads have a key role in ensuring this environment is upheld.