Sexual/Physical Assault

Sexual Assault Definition: Refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. 

Physical Assault Definition: When a person uses physical violence and causes injury to another person’s body.

Should a volunteer be physically or sexually assaulted during their project, the key steps are:

1. Inform Project Coordinator immediately.
2. Remove them from the village / incident environment, with a leader with them at all times, and provide accommodation and food for a minimum of 48 hours.
3. Provide access immediately to a doctor for consultation or review.
4. Make a timeline of events and your interactions with the situation, including any discussions / decisions taken.
5. Advise the volunteer to write down an account of the event whilst fresh in their minds for their personal memory should further action be taken.
6. Provide access to a Police Station if appropriate and/or requested.
7. Provide the contact information for local Helpline / Crisis Centres for independent advice and guidance. (Numbers listed in Appendix)
8. Provide access to a phone to contact home. 
9. Inform the British High Commission. (To be done by Management Team if appropriate)

NB: Points 3, 5, 6, 7 & 8 are entirely at the discretion of the volunteer. However we can ensure access is provided as / when it may be required. Point 2 is TP ‘policy’ to allow further discussions to be held with the volunteer / community and other relevant parties.