Safeguarding & Protection Policy

This policy sets out how the organization intends to protect the people it works with — including women, any accompanying children, volunteers and staff — from harm, abuse, exploitation, harassment and discrimination.

All people are to be treated with respect, regardless of age, ethnicity, language, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or social background.

• Abuse, exploitation, harassment and discrimination of any kind are not tolerated.
• No one may use their position to obtain personal, financial or sexual advantage.
• Particular care is taken where children or people in vulnerable situations are present.

Anyone acting on behalf of the organization should maintain appropriate boundaries, avoid situations that could be misunderstood, and never offer help in exchange for favours.

Anyone with a concern may report it to the organization by email or telephone. Concerns can be raised in Romanian, Russian or English. Reports made in good faith will never be held against the person raising them.

Concerns are to be taken seriously, recorded factually and handled promptly. Where someone is at immediate risk, the emergency services (112) should be contacted first.

Where appropriate, people will be referred to competent local services and authorities, such as the police, social assistance services or specialised support lines.

Information is shared only with those who need it to keep someone safe, and in line with data protection law.

Records of concerns and actions taken are kept securely and accessed only by authorised persons.

Where the organization involves staff or volunteers, each person is expected to read and follow this policy. Screening and training arrangements will be described here once they are established.

This policy must be approved by the organization's governing body and reviewed against applicable Moldovan law. It should be reviewed at least once a year.