The Directory of Social Change (DSC) and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) have announced plans for a research project looking at the extent and types of sexual harassment experienced by fundraisers.
The organisations are currently looking for funding for this research, which will aim to identify in which environments fundraisers are most vulnerable to sexual harassment.
Debra Allcock Tyler, chief executive of the DSC, said the research will likely consist of online surveys, which would have the option to be anonymous, as well as focus groups and conversations with donors, corporates and sponsors.
Fundraising can put people in vulnerable situations
Allcock Tyler told Civil Society News that people who are fundraisers are often put in “vulnerable situations” when asking for money and there can be pressure for behaviour to be “tolerated” because of the profession.
It can be a “catch 22” for fundraisers who may feel they must put up with certain behaviours, as they know the difference money can make to the people they work with, she said.
The chief executive spoke about the power imbalance which can occur, and said the work itself can make people vulnerable.
There is a “casual disregard of fundraisers as human beings worthy of being treated with respect” in some instances, she added.
Scope of the research
The research will aim to “identify the perpetrators” by working out which environments it is commonly occurring in – to help “stop it in the first place”.
Allcock Tyler said she has experienced and witnessed behaviour at fundraising events, such as at dinners, and this work is something she had been thinking about doing for a while.
She notes that sometimes the emphasis is on charities not handling complaints properly, which she says is certainly an important aspect, though says the sector must also focus on the “underlying problem” which is the perpetrators.
“It is about prevention of perpetrators rather than reparation,” she said.
Allcock Tyler notes that often there is advice given to women – such as don't walk alone or wear certain clothes – and she says the sector should be telling men not to attend if they cannot act appropriately.
Sexual harassment “happens to most women” and should not be accepted, she said.
CIOF member forum on 15 September
A blog written by both Allcock Tyler and Katie Docherty states there is clearly much to do to address this issue and establishing the nature and extent of the problem is a crucial first step.
The blog reads: “It is likely to be a painful experience for those who choose to share their stories of sexual harassment during this process. However, it is also, undoubtedly, a learning opportunity for the wider sector and one which, hopefully, lights a fire under us all to take immediate action.”
The CIOF are hosting a member forum on 15 September where its chief executive and head of professional conduct will share an update on progress and action on safeguarding and sexual harassment, as well as answering any questions members have.
Related Articles
