The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth emblem contains the pelican, the ancient symbol of divine love. The pelican is shown feeding its young from its own essence, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice and love for others. The outstretched wings are a sign of the all – embracing love of the Sisters of Charity reaching out to the world.
 

SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT ELIZABETH
POLICY CONCERNING SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND EXPLOITATION

The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth are firmly committed to the principle that the sexual harassment and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, those in situations where there is a power differential and/or imbalance, by members in any work place will not be tolerated.

Any complaint, allegation or suspicion that a member has engaged in behavior constituting sexual harassment or exploitation of a vulnerable person will be taken seriously and investigated promptly in a responsible and compassionate manner.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
A. "Member" is any professed member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. A complaint, allegation or suspicion involving a former member, novice or candidate, during the period when she was a member, novice of candidate, may be processed in accordance with procedures herein if warranted by the circumstances.
B. "Vulnerable person" is any adult who is in an employment or academic relationship with a member who has power or authority over the individual.
C. "Sexual harassment" may be unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
  a. Submission to such conduct is made whether explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or well being, or
  b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or
  c. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.
D. "Sexual exploitation" consists of inappropriate sexual conduct or contact between a member who is a pastoral care giver and an adult who is the recipient of the member’s pastoral care.
 
PROCESSING COMPLAINTS
A complaint, allegation or suspicion concerning an act of sexual harassment or exploitation by a member shall be submitted to the personnel Officer, Director of Human Resources or appropriate administrator of the institution in which the member works or holds a position or office. Such complaint, allegation or suspicion shall be processed in accordance with the procedures established by the institution for the handling of discrimination complaints.

If procedures are unavailable for the processing of such matters, the vulnerable person may submit the complaint, allegation or suspicion of sexual harassment or exploitation by a member directly to the General Superior of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth for appropriate referral to the Sisters of Charity Review Board. These complaints, allegations or suspicions of sexual harassment or exploitation by a member shall be processed in accordance with the procedures that govern member sexual misconduct.

DISSEMINATION
The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth shall disseminate this Policy on Sexual Harassment and Exploitation to all members who are to become familiar with its provisions and who shall be responsible for reporting suspected acts of sexual harassment or exploitation to the appropriate authorities.

Approved: February 13, 2006

 

Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961   973-290-5345

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