Introduction
Our organisation is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all women, ensuring their protection from harm, abuse, and discrimination.
This safeguarding policy outlines our approach to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of women, recognizing the diverse experiences and identities that shape their lives.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, and participants engaged with our organization. It aims to safeguard women from harm in all aspects of our activities, both in person and online.
Principles
- Respect and Dignity: All women have the right to live free from abuse, harm, and discrimination.
- Intersectionality: We acknowledge and address the overlapping systems of discrimination and disadvantage that women may experience due to race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or other factors.
- Empowerment: Women are supported to make informed decisions about their safety and well-being.
- Confidentiality: Information shared will be handled with the utmost discretion and only shared on a need-to-know basis.
- Zero Tolerance: Any form of abuse, harassment, or discrimination will not be tolerated and will be addressed promptly.
Definitions
- Safeguarding: Protecting individuals from harm, abuse, or neglect.
- Abuse: Any action that intentionally harms or puts a woman at risk, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and digital abuse.
- Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on gender or sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
Preventative Measures
Training and Awareness:
- All staff and volunteers will undergo regular training on safeguarding and inclusivity.
- Awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate about the rights and protections for women.
Safe Reporting Mechanisms:
- Accessible and anonymous channels will be provided for reporting concerns or incidents.
- A dedicated safeguarding officer will oversee reports and investigations.
Risk Assessments:
- Regular assessments will be conducted to identify and mitigate potential risks to women in our programmes and activities.
Response to Concerns
Reporting:
- Any concerns about the safety or well-being of a woman should be reported immediately to the safeguarding officer.
Investigation:
- All reports will be investigated thoroughly and impartially.
- During the investigation, measures will be taken to protect the individual’s identity and rights.
Support:
- Referrals to specialist organisations will be made when appropriate.
Action:
- Appropriate action, including disciplinary measures or referral to law enforcement, will be taken against perpetrators.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Regular audits will be conducted to ensure the effectiveness of this policy.
- Feedback from women and stakeholders will be sought to improve safeguarding practices.
Review: This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in legislation or organisational practices.
Contact Information: If you have questions or need to report a concern, please contact our safeguarding officer at safeguarding at womanleigh dot co dot uk.
This policy reflects our commitment to the safety, respect, and empowerment of all women. We encourage open dialogue and collective responsibility to create an environment where women feel safe, valued, and supported.