Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse (PSEA) Policy
Zero-tolerance commitment
IsoGentiX operates a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). This applies to all directors, employees, contractors, field guides, and any person acting on behalf of IsoGentiX — regardless of seniority, location, or the nature of the engagement. There are no circumstances in which SEA is acceptable.
Definitions
Sexual exploitation means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust for sexual purposes, including — but not limited to — profiting monetarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another person.
Sexual abuse means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Prohibited conduct
- Any sexual activity with a community member, beneficiary, or person encountered through IsoGentiX field operations, regardless of apparent consent
- Exchanging money, goods, services, employment, or any other benefit for sex
- Any sexual activity with a person under 18 years of age, regardless of local age of consent laws
- Any behaviour — including language, gestures, or display of materials — that is sexually demeaning or threatening toward any person
Power and context
IsoGentiX personnel operating in Madagascar communities occupy a position of relative power and economic advantage compared to community members. This power differential means that apparent consent cannot be presumed genuine. Personnel must exercise heightened care in all interactions with community members and must not initiate or pursue personal relationships with individuals met in the course of IsoGentiX operations.
Reporting obligations
All personnel have a mandatory duty to report any suspected or known instance of SEA immediately to a director. Reports will be treated with seriousness and investigated promptly. Where a report involves a director, the concern must be raised with the other directors or with an external authority.
Reports may also be made anonymously via the Grievance Policy process.
Consequences
Any substantiated instance of SEA will result in immediate termination of employment or engagement and referral to relevant law enforcement authorities. IsoGentiX will cooperate fully with any regulatory or criminal investigation.