Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Course

Introduction

This course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, policies, and practices essential for the prevention and response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) in humanitarian and development settings. It explores the root causes and drivers of SEA, its profound impact on individuals and communities, and the critical role of both organizations and individuals in upholding a culture of zero tolerance.

Participants will engage in interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and scenario-based exercises designed to strengthen their capacity to recognize, prevent, and respond to SEA. Emphasis is placed on survivor-centered, rights-based approaches that prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of affected populations. The course also provides practical strategies for establishing safe and accessible reporting mechanisms, protecting whistleblowers, and ensuring effective follow-up and referral systems.

In addition to addressing individual responsibilities, the course highlights institutional obligations, including policy development, staff training, accountability mechanisms, and leadership’s role in fostering safe and respectful environments. Participants will learn how to integrate SEA prevention into programming, operations, recruitment, and partnerships to reduce risks and enhance organizational integrity.

This training is essential for promoting ethical conduct, accountability, and safeguarding practices in humanitarian and development work. It is particularly relevant for professionals committed to building inclusive, respectful, and abuse-free environments for all, especially the most vulnerable.

Who Should Attend?

Professionals who will benefit from this course include:

·       Humanitarian and development staff at all levels

·       Program and project managers overseeing field operations

·       Safeguarding and protection officers

·       Human resource and compliance personnel

·       Monitoring, evaluation, and accountability staff

·       Partner organization and implementing agency representatives

·       Health, education, and social services workers interacting with vulnerable populations

·       Community outreach and liaison officers

·       Donor representatives and grant managers

·       Anyone involved in policy development, organizational leadership, or staff conduct oversight

Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, the participant should be able to:

·       Understand the definitions, forms, and root causes of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) within humanitarian and development contexts.

·       Recognize the serious impact of SEA on individuals, communities, and organizational integrity.

·       Apply international standards, legal frameworks, and organizational policies related to the prevention of SEA.

·       Promote a survivor-centered, rights-based approach in responding to SEA incidents.

·       Identify risk factors and implement practical strategies to prevent SEA in programming, operations, and staffing.

·       Establish and manage safe, confidential, and accessible reporting and referral mechanisms.

·       Respond effectively and ethically to disclosures and allegations of SEA.

·       Understand individual and organizational responsibilities in upholding a zero-tolerance culture.

·       Strengthen accountability systems and contribute to a safe, respectful, and abuse-free work environment.

Course outline

Module 1: Understanding Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

• Definitions and distinctions: sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and gender-based violence
• Root causes and contributing factors (power imbalances, gender inequality, impunity)
• The impact of SEA on survivors, communities, and organizational credibility
• Global SEA trends and lessons learned from past cases
• International legal, ethical, and humanitarian frameworks (IASC, UN, national laws)

Module 2: Institutional Policies and Accountability Frameworks

• Key elements of effective SEA prevention and response policies
• Aligning organizational policies with global standards and donor requirements
• Developing codes of conduct and staff behavior protocols
• Leadership responsibilities in creating a zero-tolerance environment
• Partner and contractor compliance and accountability

Module 3: Risk Assessment and Prevention in Programming

• Identifying SEA risk factors in program design and implementation
• Integrating PSEA into procurement, recruitment, and beneficiary targeting
• Community-based prevention: engaging local actors in safeguarding
• Mitigating risks in service delivery (education, health, cash programs, etc.)
• Case studies: SEA risk prevention in humanitarian field operations

Module 4: Survivor-Centered Response and Protection Mechanisms

• Core principles: safety, confidentiality, respect, and non-discrimination
• Survivor rights and trauma-informed care approaches
• Supporting survivors with referrals and psychosocial services
• Protection from retaliation and secondary harm
• Engaging with local protection systems and service providers

Module 5: Safe, Confidential, and Accessible Reporting Mechanisms

• Designing and maintaining secure SEA reporting channels (hotlines, in-person, digital)
• Accessibility considerations for children, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups
• Promoting community awareness and trust in reporting mechanisms
• Managing reports and ensuring confidentiality throughout the process
• Responding to anonymous or informal disclosures

Module 6: Responding to SEA Allegations and Investigations

• Immediate steps after receiving an allegation: do’s and don’ts
• The role of safeguarding focal points, HR, and investigation teams
• Conducting internal investigations ethically and fairly
• Coordinating with law enforcement and legal obligations
• Managing communications, survivor protection, and documentation

Module 7: Building a Respectful and Ethical Organizational Culture

• Embedding safeguarding principles into organizational values and daily practice
• Addressing power imbalances, discrimination, and workplace misconduct
• Leadership modeling of respectful behavior and accountability
• Staff induction, ongoing training, and values-based leadership development
• Mechanisms for staff feedback and ethical reporting

Module 8: Staff Capacity Building and Community Awareness

• Training approaches for different roles (field staff, senior leaders, community volunteers)
• SEA awareness sessions for partners, vendors, and contractors
• Tools and resources for ongoing learning and engagement
• Culturally appropriate messaging for communities and beneficiaries
• Empowering community members to take part in SEA prevention

Module 9: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

• Tools for tracking the effectiveness of SEA prevention and response activities
• Using feedback, audits, and case reviews to inform improvement
• Key indicators and reporting frameworks for PSEA
• Lessons learned and adaptation in high-risk or evolving contexts
• Creating a long-term strategy for PSEA sustainability and accountability

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better