International relations
Background
DFAT does not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment (SEAH) of any kind.
We continue to be proactive in combatting SEAH, building on longstanding systems and procedures in social safeguarding and child protection.
Australia has made a number of international commitments:
- The Prime Minister is a member of the UN Secretary General's Circle of Leadership, making a commitment to strengthen measures to prevent SEAH
- Australia endorsed the Joint Statement and 22 Commitments [PDF 465 KB] at the UK-led International Summit to Tackle Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment in the Aid Sector in October 2018
- Australia signed the Tidewater Joint Statement on Combatting Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Development and Humanitarian Sectors and the Whistler Declaration on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in International Assistance in June 2018.
DFAT's Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy
In April 2019, the Secretary of DFAT released the DFAT Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy.
DFAT Preventing Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy [DOCX 370 KB] | [PDF 712 KB]
The PSEAH Policy sets out expectations and requirements for all DFAT staff and delivery partners to manage SEAH risks and incidents. It applies to all DFAT staff and all DFAT partners, in Australia and overseas.
Date of effect and implementation
In recognition of the requirements and expectations under the Policy, implementation will be phased.
| Implementation phasing | Date of effect | Compliance period* |
|---|---|---|
| DFAT Preventing Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment Policy released and takes effect for all DFAT staff | 4 April 2019 | Immediate |
| DFAT Preventing Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment Policy takes effect for aid and humanitarian partners and scholarships programs | 1 July 2019 | 12 month |
| DFAT Preventing Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment Policy takes effect for all other DFAT implementing partners and contractors | 1 October 2019 | 12 month |
| DFAT Preventing Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment Policy takes effect for DFAT downstream partners | 10 December 2019 | 12 month |
| *Compliance period begins at the date of effect | ||
Reporting
- Reports of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment or concerns about the welfare of a vulnerable person should be notified to seah.reports@dfat.gov.au using the SEAH Incident Notification Form. Reporting procedures are detailed in the PSEAH Policy.
- Reports of sexual exploitation and abuse of children, or concerns about child welfare are covered by DFAT's Child Protection Policy.
Supporting resources
- SEAH Incident Notification Form [DOCX 170 KB] | [PDF 207 KB] - June 2019
- Guidance on assessing the risk of SEAH [DOCX 492 KB] | [PDF 524 KB] - June 2019
Other support
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment, and need assistance, you can contact one of the following in Australia:
- Emergency (if you or someone you know is in danger): 000
- 1800RESPECT - the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service: 1800 737 732
- Lifeline: 13 11 14