Allegations of sexual harassment and abuse have hit Hollywood and politicians, and the #MeToo movement has gathered momentum. Now, international charities and humanitarian agencies are coming under scrutiny.
Last week, Save the Children announced it had fired 16 members of staff over reports of sexual harassment in the past year. This follows an announcement by Oxfam that it had dismissed 22 people over similar allegations. Earlier this month the United Nations revealed that it had received 31 new cases alleging sexual abuse or exploitation by UN personnel between July and September. Of these cases, 12 involved military personnel from peacekeeping operations.
Campaigners say that these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. Too many cases go unreported, often because survivors fear they will be ignored or blamed.
For Secret Aid Worker, three humanitarian staff wrote last week about the lack of support for women who are harassed or assaulted as a result of their work. “Survivors must be believed without our personal lives being picked apart as part of vindictive, half-arsed ‘investigations’,” they said.
We’d like to hear from people who work in the development and humanitarian sectors about what needs to change. What needs to be done to tackle this issue?
Share your experiences
Let us know how you’ve been affected, anonymously if you prefer, by filling in the encrypted form below (if you’re having trouble using the form, click here). We will do our best to keep your information secure. Alternatively, email development@theguardian.com, with “sexual violence and harassment” in the subject line.
- The Rape Crisis national helpline is open daily 12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm. Call 0808 802 9999
