Pandemics such as COVID-19 present more opportunities for exploitation and abuse. As the need for aid increases, with supply of and access to aid decreasing simultaneously, these unequal power dynamics are exacerbated further. Concurrently, due to the restrictions placed on movement, domestic violence, intimate partner, and gender-based violence are also likely to increase. This can be heightened as school closures occur, and house- hold stressors increase – such as job losses, economic burden, and caring responsibilities (which surge, especially for women and adolescent girls). Children and adults with disabilities are at an increased risk of being harmed, abused, or exploited due to perceived power dynamics and their reduced opportunity to report concerns, when compared with their non-disabled peers. Humanitarian workers should be mindful of the increased risk to certain groups, know what signs of abuse to look for and champion the rights of at-risk groups in all settings, especially high-risk ones. Furthermore, if parents / carers are forced to self-isolate or are hospitalised, the risk of exploitation for children will increase. For some, this will result in them resorting to negative coping mechanisms such as early marriage, forced labour, trafficking and sex work.
We know that in emergency situations it is likely that harm, exploitation, neglect, and abuse will increase. Humanitarian crises exacerbate the unequal power dynamic between those in receipt of, and those with access to, aid. Opportunities to abuse therefore also increase.
The aim of this guidance is to support practitioners working with at-risk communities, providing advice on how to safely and appropriately communicate PSEA and safeguarding messages, including examples of best practice.