Safeguarding is the ability to keep people protected from harm or danger by creating safe spaces within our communities and places of apostolate.
What is a Safe Space?
A safe space provides a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their views and knowing they matter. It allows individuals to participate in community affairs and share their opinions without fear of intimidation or judgment.
Understanding Harm and Abuse
Anyone can be harmed, and anyone can cause harm. Therefore, we must remain conscious of our actions to know when we might be causing harm or being abused ourselves.
- Harm refers to words, actions, or gestures (verbal and non-verbal) that cause hurt, physical or emotional pain, or damage to a person’s reputation. Unaddressed abuse leads to deep emotional and mental trauma.
- Background Influences: A person’s upbringing significantly impacts their behavior. Someone raised in an abusive environment may adopt abusive behaviors unconsciously.
Categories of Harm
- Sexual Exploitation: Using a position of power or authority to exploit others sexually (e.g., demanding sexual favors in exchange for employment, food, money, or influence).
- Sexual Harassment: Unacceptable attitudes, gestures, or practices suggesting sexual benefits (e.g., seductive looks, inappropriate staring, displaying pornography).
Note: Sexual harassment can lead directly to sexual abuse. It respects no title or position. Stand firm and defend your integrity.
- Sexual Abuse: Forced, unwanted, or non-consensual sexual contact.
- Neglect, Bullying & Discrimination: Unfair and harmful attitudes that hurt others emotionally, socially, or physically.
Stress, Human Resources, and Power Dynamics
- Stress Management: Unmanaged stress compromises safeguarding. It leads to impatience, poor decision-making, and the neglect of safety procedures.
- Safe Recruitment: Hiring managers must select candidates committed to the congregation’s safeguarding culture. Job advertisements should explicitly state the organization’s commitment to safeguarding, and interviewers should probe into gaps in employment or frequent job changes.
- Power Dynamics: Power is the ability to influence others. Abuse often stems from power imbalances—safeguarding controls are designed to prevent the misuse of authority.
By: Sr. Onyesi Mariagoretti Ezinne
