Safeguarding Policy

1) Purpose

Digital Safe‑Havens Network (DSN) is committed to creating safe environments for beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and partners. This policy sets out our principles and procedures to prevent, detect, report, and respond to safeguarding concerns, including abuse, exploitation, neglect, harassment, and harm in digital and physical contexts.

2) Scope & Definitions

• Who is covered: All DSN directors, officers, employees, volunteers, contractors, and delivery partners (“Covered Persons”).
• Who we protect: Anyone engaging with DSN programs, including at‑risk adults, children and young people, journalists, HRDs, and community participants.
• Safeguarding concern: Any allegation or suspicion of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional/psychological), exploitation, bullying/harassment, discrimination, neglect, trafficking, or technology‑facilitated harm.

3) Principles

• Do No Harm: Plan and deliver activities to minimize risk and unintended consequences.
• Rights & Dignity: Center consent, privacy, and cultural sensitivity.
• Proportionality: Controls and responses tailored to risk and context.
• Accountability: Clear roles, documentation, and oversight.
• Survivor‑Centered: Respect wishes, safety, and confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

4) Risk Assessment & Safer Recruitment

• Safeguarding risk assessments for all programs (clinics, trainings, deployments, field work).
• Role‑based screening: reference checks; background checks where lawful and proportionate.
• Clear role descriptions, codes of conduct, and supervision expectations.

5) Code of Conduct

• Professional boundaries; no abuse of power or exploitation of trust.
• No sexual activity with beneficiaries; zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).
• Photography/recording only with informed consent and risk review; secure handling of media.
• Follow DSN Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies.

6) Digital Safeguarding

• Mitigate online harassment/doxxing; safe communication channels; privacy‑by‑design.
• Data minimization, encryption, secure storage, and access controls per Privacy Policy.
• Safe remote support: identity verification, secure screen‑sharing, consent logs, and audit trails.

7) Reporting Concerns

Anyone can report a concern in good faith. Choose the channel that feels safest:

• Email (Confidential): safeguarding@digitalsafehavens.org
• Alternate: whistleblower@digitalsafehavens.org
• Urgent Risk: Contact local authorities first if there is immediate danger.

Anonymous reports are accepted. Retaliation is strictly prohibited (see Whistleblower Policy).

8) Responding to Concerns

1. Intake: Log date, parties, nature of concern, immediate risks.
2. Safety Measures: Implement interim protections (e.g., separation, access controls, support referrals).
3. Assessment: Assign safeguarding lead or external specialist; check conflicts of interest.
4. Investigation: Fact‑finding with confidentiality on a need‑to‑know basis.
5. Outcome & Actions: Document findings; apply corrective or disciplinary actions; refer to authorities where required.

9) Children & Vulnerable Adults

• Follow local child‑protection and vulnerable‑adult laws in each jurisdiction.
• Two‑adult rule for in‑person engagements where feasible; avoid one‑to‑one unsupervised settings.
• Age‑appropriate, informed consent for participation and data collection.

10) Confidentiality & Data Protection

DSN protects identities and case information consistent with law and our Privacy Policy. Information is shared only to safeguard individuals, investigate concerns, or meet legal duties.

11) Training & Awareness

• Mandatory safeguarding induction for all Covered Persons; periodic refreshers for high‑risk roles.
• Contextual modules for field deployments and online program delivery.

12) Partners & Vendors

• Safeguarding clauses in agreements; right to audit and to suspend/terminate for violations.
• Shared incident protocols in consortium projects; prompt notification of material incidents.

13) Monitoring & Review

• Aggregate metrics reported to the Board at least annually (case numbers, response times, outcomes, improvements).
• Policy review at least annually or after significant incidents/legislative changes.

14) Contact

Safeguarding Lead: safeguarding@digitalsafehavens.org
Alternate: ethics@digitalsafehavens.org

Last updated: 20 Aug 2025