Safeguarding Policy
1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding
ADWAC believes that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are dedicated to ensuring that:
- All individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, are protected from abuse, harm, and exploitation.
- Clear policies and procedures are in place to report and respond to safeguarding concerns.
- All staff, volunteers, and partners are trained and equipped to promote a culture of safeguarding in their work.
- Safeguarding measures are integrated into all of our programs and activities to prevent risks and address concerns as they arise.
2. Scope of the Policy
This safeguarding policy applies to all ADWAC staff, volunteers, consultants, partners, and any other individuals working with or on behalf of ADWAC. It covers:- Children and young people under the age of 18.
- Vulnerable adults, particularly women and marginalized groups, who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
3. Safeguarding Standards
We are committed to the following safeguarding standards:
Zero Tolerance for Abuse: ADWAC adopts a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, exploitation, or violence towards children, women, or vulnerable adults.
Safe Recruitment: We ensure that all staff, volunteers, and partners undergo rigorous background checks, including police clearance and reference checks, before working with vulnerable groups.
Training and Awareness: All individuals involved with ADWAC will receive regular training on safeguarding policies, identifying risks, and reporting concerns.
Confidential Reporting Mechanisms: We have established confidential and accessible reporting channels for anyone to report safeguarding concerns without fear of retaliation.
4. Safeguarding Children
ADWAC recognizes that children are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Therefore, we are committed to:
Child Protection: Ensuring that all children involved in our programs are safe and protected from any form of abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect.
Parental Consent: Gaining explicit permission from parents or guardians for children’s participation in any ADWAC activity, project, or event.
Child Participation: Encouraging the participation of children in programs that affect them, while ensuring their safety and well-being throughout.
Risk Assessments: Conducting thorough risk assessments for all activities involving children to prevent potential harm or abuse.
5. Safeguarding Women
Women, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, often face heightened risks of abuse and exploitation. ADWAC is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of all women through:
Protection from Gender-Based Violence (GBV): We have strict policies against gender-based violence, harassment, and abuse in any form. Women are supported with resources and safe spaces in cases of GBV.
Empowerment Programs: Our programs focus on empowering women economically and socially, helping them build resilience and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.
Reporting and Support: Women who experience abuse or harassment are provided with immediate access to support services, including legal, medical, and psychological assistance.
5. Safeguarding Women
Women, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, often face heightened risks of abuse and exploitation. ADWAC is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of all women through:
Protection from Gender-Based Violence (GBV): We have strict policies against gender-based violence, harassment, and abuse in any form. Women are supported with resources and safe spaces in cases of GBV.
Empowerment Programs: Our programs focus on empowering women economically and socially, helping them build resilience and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.
Reporting and Support: Women who experience abuse or harassment are provided with immediate access to support services, including legal, medical, and psychological assistance.
6. Reporting and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
ADWAC has put in place a clear procedure for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns:
Reporting Mechanism: Anyone who has witnessed or suspects abuse or exploitation must report it immediately to the designated safeguarding officer via email, phone, or in person. Reports can also be made anonymously through our confidential hotline.
Investigation Process: All reports will be taken seriously and will be investigated thoroughly, respecting confidentiality and the rights of all parties involved. A safeguarding committee will oversee the investigation process.
Support for Survivors: Survivors of abuse will be provided with necessary support services, including counseling, medical care, and legal assistance. We will work with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.
Disciplinary Action: Any staff member, volunteer, or partner found to have breached our safeguarding policy will face disciplinary action, which may include dismissal and legal action.
7. Safeguarding Governance
To ensure effective implementation and monitoring of our safeguarding policy, ADWAC has established:
Designated Safeguarding Officers: We have trained safeguarding officers responsible for overseeing the implementation of safeguarding measures, handling reports, and coordinating responses to any concerns.
Safeguarding Committee: A committee that includes senior management, safeguarding officers, and external advisors to ensure accountability and continuous improvement in our safeguarding practices.
Regular Audits and Reviews: The safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually, and regular audits will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of safeguarding measures and address any gaps.
8. How You Can Help
We believe that safeguarding is a collective effort, and everyone has a role to play. Here’s how you can help:
Stay Informed: Understand our safeguarding policies and procedures to help create a safer environment for everyone.
Report Concerns: If you see or suspect abuse, report it immediately using our confidential reporting channels.
Support Our Work: Partner with us to strengthen our safeguarding practices and ensure the protection of vulnerable groups.
9. Contact Us
If you have any safeguarding concerns or would like more information about our policy, please contact our Safeguarding Officer:- Email: safeguarding@adwac.gm
- Phone: +220 707-4943
- Confidential Hotline: +220 707-4943
At ADWAC, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for women, children, and vulnerable communities.