Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Peterborough Particular

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Peterborough Particular Council presents

Abuse Prevention Policy and Program Awareness Training

Purpose of this policy To maintain an environment that is free from abuse To identify the behaviors that are unacceptable To establish a mechanism for receiving complaints To establish a procedure to manage complaints

Scope This policy applies to all volunteers and employees of SSVP and all SSVP Vincentians who are covered for insurance through Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Peterborough Particular Council

Policy Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Peterborough Particular Council (SSVP) is committed to abuse prevention and ensuring the safety and protection of those we serve. Abuse of any kind is contrary to the mission of the Society, serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.

Policy (continued) One of the primary goals and purposes of the Society, its members, employees and volunteers is to promote their dignity in accordance with Christian values and the philosophy of the Society as expressed in the Rule. The organization will not tolerate any form of physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological abuse nor any form of neglect or harassment.

Policy (continued) The SSVP Service Covenant/Confidentiality Agreement is to be signed by all Vincentians at the time of their orientation, documenting each member’s commitment to upholding the Mission and Values of the Society.

Policy (continued) As per article 3. 19 of The Rule, Vincentians are always to perform home visits and food bank visitation in pairs, ideally consisting of one male and one female Vincentian. The SSVP Central Council, Particular Council & Conference Presidents are responsible for ensuring the policy and procedures herein are enforced within the organization.

Vulnerable person can be defined as someone within society that is either oppressed or more susceptible to harm. They are vulnerable as they are susceptible to those who hold or are perceived to hold power in society.

Discrimination can be defined as any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference which has the purpose of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms The Ontario Human Rights Code (Code) offers every person protection from discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sexual orientation, and age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability in the realm of employment. Section 1 of the Code offers similar protection against discrimination in the provision of services.

Harassment is defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code as meaning “engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome”. Harassment directed at the victim(s) can come in many forms. The behavior need not be intentional in order to be considered harassment but may be offensive and/or intimidating. Vexatious - causing or tending to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry

Types of Abuse, without limitation, includes each of the following:

Types of Abuse Physical abuse Sexual abuse Emotional abuse Verbal abuse Psychological abuse Financial abuse Cyber abuse

Physical abuse (defined) The use, attempted use or threatened use of force that may result in physical harm or injury Includes slapping, hitting, punching, shaking, pulling, throwing, kicking, biting, choking, strangling, or the abusive use of restraints

Sexual abuse (defined) Any unwanted touching, communication of a sexual nature or content, fondling, observations for sexual gratification, penetration or attempted penetration or innuendos, exhibitionism or exploitation for profit including pornography

Emotional abuse (defined) A significant attack or course of action attacking an individual’s self-esteem Includes: name calling, threatening, swearing, yelling, ridiculing, berating, intimidating, isolating, hazing, habitual scapegoat and blaming

Verbal abuse (defined) is described as a negative defining statement told to the victim or about the victim, or by withholding any response, thereby defining the target as non-existent. Includes: Humiliating remarks, name calling, offensive jokes, swearing at, yelling at, taunting, teasing, continual put downs and persistent & unwanted requests for dates.

Psychological abuse (defined) Communication or course of action of an abusive nature Includes: sarcasm, exploitive behaviour, intimidation, manipulation, and insensitivity to race, sexual preference or family dynamics

Financial abuse (defined) Financial abuse refers to theft or exploitation of a person's money, property, or assets. Examples include: stealing money or possessions; Committing fraud, forgery or extortion

Cyber abuse (defined) The use of technology to psychologically, emotionally, sexual and/or otherwise abuse or harass a Vulnerable Person. It includes but is not limited to the use of email, social media, texting, blogging and website postings.

Preventative Actions

Prevention Vincentian Selection A prospective Vincentian must successfully complete the screening process according to the Screening and Duty of Care Guidelines mandated by SSVP National Council of Canada prior to becoming an auxiliary or full member of the Society. The process includes but is not limited to the following:

Prevention Vincentian Selection Completion of a Membership Application with three references Using the Interview Checklist/Reference Check Report, the Conference President or Screening Committee interviews the applicant and recommends approval of membership pending reference check The police record check must be renewed every five years, a copy placed in the member’s file, which shall be opened and maintained up to date by the Conference President Using the Interview Checklist/Reference Check Report, two trained full members of the Conference or Council interview the three references separately according to the Responsible Stewardship guidelines New members take part in an orientation session, including training on SSVP’s Abuse Program New members sign the Service Covenant/Confidentiality Agreement

Why are allegations made? Perceived as a way out ($$$) Mental health problems History of abuse Hypersensitivity to abuse Anger / frustration Sincere belief My truth, your truth, the whole truth…

What does the law say? Human Rights Code “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. ” All other laws must reflect and be consistent with the Human Rights Code.

What does the law say? Criminal Code Abuse and harassment are crimes under the criminal code and perpetrators can be charged and convicted.

What does the law say? Child and Family Services Act of Ontario Outlines the provisions for the protection of children and youth from abuse and neglect Outlines the mandatory provision for disclosure of witnessed abuse and/or neglect of children to the appropriate authorities and protects those who disclose the information Neglect is the failure to provide for the shelter, safety, supervision and nutritional needs of the child. It can be physical, educational or emotional neglect.

What does the law say? Good Samaritan Laws Protect individuals who are doing their best with due diligence to help an individual who is in distress

Remedial Actions

Upon Allegation of Abuse d When an Allegation of Abuse by a Vincentian is Reported to the Particular Council Vincentian is Reported to the Particular The Particular Council President removes the Vincentian from the situation and suspends the Vincentian from all Society work and home visits, having no direct or indirect contact with a Vulnerable Person. If the Particular Council President reasonably believes that a law may have been broken, he or she informs law enforcement immediately and cooperates with authorities in their investigation, if any. The allegation and investigation are to be kept as confidential as possible pending results of the investigation. Only those directly involved, the Particular Council President, the Executive Committee, advisors to the Executive Committee, the insurance broker and law enforcement are to receive related communication as needed. The Particular Council President notifies the Executive Committee. The Particular Council President notifies the Vincentian and their Conference President.

Upon Allegation of Abuse (continued)d When an Allegation of Abuse by a Vincentian is Reported to the Particular Council Vincentian is Reported to the Particular The Particular Council President notifies the insurance broker of a possible claim and complies with its investigation, if any. The Particular Council President offers assistance to the alleged victim and his/her family in obtaining counselling or referral to a mental health professional, if needed. The Executive Committee selects two delegates to conduct the investigation and report their findings to the Board. • The role of the delegates is to conduct the investigation in an impartial fashion, ensuring all facts are correctly and fully reported to the best of their ability. The delegates interview the complainant, any/all witnesses and the accused. The information retrieved by the delegates is brought to the Executive Committee for consideration

Upon Allegation of Abuse (continued)d When an Allegation of Abuse by a Vincentian is Reported to the Particular Council Vincentian is Reported to the Particular The Executive Committee votes as to whether the abuse is likely to have taken place and the majority decision will carry. • If the Executive Committee decides in the affirmative, they also decide on disciplinary action. The Particular Council President notifies the insurance broker and carrier immediately if it is deemed a covered incident. • If the Executive Committee fails to decide in the affirmative, the Vincentian in question is reinstated subject to such conditions and restrictions as the Executive Committee deems appropriate. Investigation materials are maintained on file under lock and key at Central office by the Particular Council President. The Particular Council President will ensure that the allegation, investigation and appropriate actions are taken promptly and diligently until final resolution of all matters arising out of the allegation.

Reporting an Incident

Process of Reporting When a Vincentian is made aware of an allegation of abuse against a Vincentian, volunteer or an employee of SSVP or a vulnerable person, he or she must report this immediately to the acting Particular Council President of SSVP. The Particular Council President, in turn, notifies the related Conference.

What if I witness abuse or harassment in a home? Under 16 – mandatory reporting Call Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Aid Society (CAS) @ (1 -800 -661 -2843 or 705 -743 -9751) and/or the police Not sure? Communicate with other Vincentians Call CAS anonymously as ask the question Family issues must never be held in confidence or left to the family if a child is at risk of harm Always err on the side of caution.

What if I witness abuse or harassment in a home? Over 16 – call the police in extreme cases Not sure? Communicate with other Vincentians

Abuse Prevention Program The material presented here today is in summary form. Please refer to the “Abuse Prevention Program” policy document for full and complete information. Board approved: October 30, 2017 Effective date: October 30, 2017 Fred O’Donnell, President

Reference Material - Abuse Prevention Policy and Implementation program (June 2017) - http: //sarah. ssvp. on. ca/Abuse. Prevention. Training/Abuse. Prevent. National policy. June 2017. pdf - Abuse/Harassment/Discrimination - http: //www. ssvp. ca/sites/default/files/6. 2. 7_adm_007_abuse-harassment -discri. pdf - Abuse Prevention Guidelines - http: //www. ssvp. ca/sites/default/files/8. 7_abuse_prevention_guidelines_ 2017. pdf - Discrimination and Harassment Guidelines - http: //www. ssvp. ca/sites/default/files/8. 8_discriminaiton_and_harassmen t_guidelines. pdf - Abuse Prevention Checklist and Acknowledgement Form - http: //www. ssvp. ca/sites/default/files/9. 23_abuse_prevention_program_c hecklistpublish. pdf

Working Together… …to make safe a environment for everyone