Protection from Sexual
Exploitation & Abuse
PETRAD AID maintains an unwavering commitment to protecting every person we serve, work with, or encounter — particularly the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Policy Contents
Purpose
PETRAD AID is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and protection of beneficiaries, especially the most vulnerable populations we serve across Kenya. This PSEA Policy establishes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by PETRAD AID staff, volunteers, partners, contractors, or any individual associated with the organization.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- All PETRAD AID staff (full-time, part-time, and temporary)
- Board members and volunteers
- Consultants, contractors, and implementing partners
- Any third parties working on behalf of or in partnership with PETRAD AID
The policy covers all locations where PETRAD AID operates, with particular emphasis on Turkana County and displacement-affected communities across Kenya.
Definition of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)
- Sexual Exploitation: Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust for sexual purposes, including profiting monetarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another person.
- Sexual Abuse: The actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
PETRAD AID maintains zero tolerance for any form of SEA. All allegations will be taken seriously and investigated promptly and confidentially.
Key Principles
Prohibited Conduct
The following acts are strictly prohibited for all persons covered by this policy:
The following are strictly prohibited
- Any sexual activity with persons under 18 years of age (regardless of local laws or consent)
- Exchange of money, goods, services, employment, or assistance for sex or sexual favors
- Sexual relationships with beneficiaries of assistance (even if perceived as consensual)
- Any form of sexual harassment, abuse, or exploitation
- Retaliation against anyone who reports SEA
Reporting Mechanisms
PETRAD AID provides multiple safe, accessible, and confidential reporting channels. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with survivor-centered principles.
Internal Channels
- PSEA Focal Point: Evanson Epetet (Director)
- Deputy Focal Point: Shaaban Abubakar
- Email: info@petradaid.net
- Hotline: +254 722 270 042
- Anonymous reporting box at the Lodwar office
External Channels
- DRC Kenya PSEA Focal Point (once partnership is established)
- Kenya Police / Gender Desk
- Child Protection agencies
Response to Allegations
- All allegations will be investigated fairly, promptly, and impartially.
- Immediate protective measures will be taken to safeguard the survivor.
- Disciplinary measures (up to termination and blacklisting) will be applied where SEA is confirmed.
- Cooperation with law enforcement where criminal acts are involved.
Prevention Measures
- Mandatory PSEA induction and annual refresher training for all staff and volunteers
- Integration of PSEA into all project designs and partner agreements
- Community awareness sessions on PSEA and available reporting channels
- Reference checks and background screening for new staff
- Signing of the PSEA Code of Conduct by all staff, volunteers, and partners
Commitment from Leadership
The Board of Directors and Senior Management of PETRAD AID fully endorse this policy and commit to providing the necessary resources for its implementation and enforcement.
Signed: Evanson Ekitela Epetet, Director — PETRAD AID
Date: 17 February 2019 · Ref: PETRAD/PSEA/001 · Version: 1.0
This policy is reviewed annually or when significant changes occur in PETRAD AID's operations or the regulatory environment.