- Set up and manage a complete PSEA system.
- Handle a case using the survivor-centred approach.
- Integrate protection into strategy and advocacy.
1A PSEA system that works
A solid system rests on four pillars: prevention (code of conduct, reference checks, training, risk analysis of activities), reporting (multiple, safe channels accessible to children and people with disabilities), response (victim assistance, investigation, sanctions) and accountability (informing communities, reporting to donors, taking part in the country PSEA network).
The PSEA focal point receives reports and passes them on; they do not investigate alone. The IASC commitments and the CHS (commitment 5 on complaints) set the expectations.
2The survivor-centred approach
Four principles guide case handling: safety, confidentiality, respect for the person's choices, non-discrimination. The survivor decides which services she wants; for a child, action is taken in their best interests, involving them according to their age.
Never ask for the facts to be told several times (risk of re-traumatisation), never confront the alleged perpetrator, and refer to specialised services (health within 72 hours for post-exposure prophylaxis, psychosocial support, legal aid) identified by the GBV sub-cluster.
3Protection, strategy and advocacy
Protection mainstreaming (safety and dignity, meaningful access, accountability, participation and empowerment) applies to every sector. At strategic level, the organisation analyses protection risks in its programmes, budgets the measures (lighting, accompaniment, interpreters) and trains its partners.
Advocacy on violations relies on aggregated, safe data, in consultation with the Protection cluster, always weighing the risk for people and for access.
Exercise: the service map and the path of a report
For an area of your choice, draw the path of a report of sexual exploitation: who receives it, how quickly it is passed on, who investigates, which services (health, psychosocial, legal) are offered to the survivor, and how the community is informed about reporting channels.
Key points
- Four pillars: prevention, reporting, response, accountability.
- The focal point receives and passes on; they do not investigate alone.
- Survivor: safety, confidentiality, respect for her choices, non-discrimination.
- Under 18: any sexual activity is prohibited, regardless of consent.
Further reading: course references
- ICRC (2024). Professional Standards for Protection Work (4th edition). www.icrc.org/fr/publication/0999-normes-professionnelles-pour-les-activites-de-protection
- United Nations (2003). Secretary-General's Bulletin ST/SGB/2003/13: Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. www.un.org
- IASC (2015). Guidelines for Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action. gbvguidelines.org/fr
- Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (2019). Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action. alliancecpha.org
- Sphere Association (2018). The Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response. spherestandards.org/fr/manuel-2018
Daily quiz
3 questions to check what you have learned. Answer them all to complete the day.