Sexual assault prevention and response are critical responsibilities for owners of travel and experiential education companies. Unfortunately, we’re seeing trends in which participant to participant cases are increasing across the industry. Ensuring the safety and well-being of travelers is paramount, requiring a proactive approach to both prevention and response. This blog outlines best practices for preventing and responding to sexual assault, emphasizing the importance of human-centered strategies, clear communication, and ethical conduct.
Remember to involve your HR, legal, insurance, and crisis response teams at every step, and leverage the expertise of your Cornerstone Advisors.
Harassment & Assault Prevention Strategies
Review with All Stakeholders:
Clearly define consensual interactions for staff, participants, vendors, and local partners.
Provide comprehensive policies and training, including a code of conduct, role-playing exercises, and Q&A sessions.
Establish company procedures for handling reports and identify areas of personal liability.
Creating a Culture of Respect:
Foster a culture of respect through intentional conversations, staff training, and arrival orientations.
Do not tolerate disrespectful behavior and encourage open communication.
Invite feedback regularly and conduct frequent check-ins.
Responding to a Claim
Despite best efforts, there may be occasions when preventing an assault is not possible. It's crucial to be prepared for these situations to ensure a swift and effective response. By following these guidelines, you can help safeguard your travelers, protect your business, support your staff, and maintain trust within your community. Being well-prepared ensures that you can handle incidents with the care and professionalism they require, ultimately fostering a safer and more secure environment for everyone involved.
Human-Centered Response:
A human-focused response is crucial. Caring for those involved with sensitivity and compassion should always be the priority.
Step 1: Receiving Information & Assessing Facts:
Secure the scene and assess the urgency.
Gather initial, critical information (e.g., names, dates, location, witnesses).
Be a “safe space” free of judgment or doubt.
Notify leadership immediately.
Offer appropriate support focusing on human safety, such as medical treatment, sexual assault exams, and access to mental health services.
Step 2: Investigate the Incident:
Establish primary contacts for the field responder, reporter, and accused.
Gather evidence, conduct interviews, and document findings.
Ensure privacy and confidentiality, and take steps to prevent retaliation.
Step 3: Ongoing Support:
Summarize findings and collaborate on next steps.
Notify both parties with appropriate information.
Recognize and address post-event needs, reinforcing group norms and acknowledging individual needs.
Business Protections
Insurance and Policies:
Ensure comprehensive coverage, including General Liability and Sexual Assault & Molestation (SAM) policies (if applicable and possible, these can be challenging to obtain).
Review policy details for exemptions and exclusions.
Vet vendors thoroughly and have clear terms, conditions, and liability waivers.
Implement robust staff training and participant orientation programs.
Best Practices in Response
Neutrality and Professionalism:
Maintain a calm, caring, and concerned tone. Show compassion to all parties involved, including the accused.
Be aware of internal dynamics and ensure the response team is well-suited for the task.
Documentation and Communication:
Document and escalate all reported incidents, taking detailed notes.
Limit access to sensitive information and monitor for trends.
Use written communications professionally and rely on phone calls for emotional venting.
Challenges and Complications
Cultural Differences:
Address cultural differences through informed consent during arrival orientations and ongoing reinforcement of safe practices.
Participant Education:
Educate participants on the risks, including sexual harassment and assault, without causing alarm. Clearly outline the escalation process.
Host Families or Locals:
Set clear guidelines and ensure host families and locals understand and agree to them. Conduct ongoing monitoring.
In Conclusion
By following these strategies and involving your HR, legal, insurance, and crisis response teams, you can create a safer environment for all participants in your travel programs. Turn to your Cornerstone Advisors for support – we are here to partner with you as you navigate these challenging situations. Remember, the key to prevention and response lies in clear communication, ethical conduct, and keeping the well-being of individuals at the forefront.