sexual abuse/misconduct

GSLJC POLICY REGARDING SEXUAL ABUSE OR MISCONDUCT 

Girls Softball League of Jefferson County prohibits and does not tolerate sexual abuse or misconduct during any organization-related activity. Girls Softball League of Jefferson County provides procedures for employees, volunteers, board members or any other victims of sexual abuse or misconduct to report such acts. Those reasonably suspected or believed to have committed sexual abuse or misconduct will be appropriately disciplined, up to and including termination of employment or membership, as well as criminally prosecuted. No employee, volunteer, board member or other person, regardless of his or her title or position has the authority to commit or allow sexual abuse or misconduct. Definitions and Examples: The following definitions or examples of sexual abuse, misconduct or harassment, may apply to any and/or all of the following persons – employees, volunteers or other third parties. 

• Sexual abuse or misconduct may include, but is not limited to: 

• Child sexual abuse – any sexual activity, involvement, or attempt of sexual contact with a person who is a minor (under 18 years old) where consent is not or cannot be given. 

• Sexual activity with another who is legally incompetent or otherwise unable to give consent. 

• Physical assaults or violence, such as rape, sexual battery, abuse, molestation or any attempt to commit such acts. 

• Unwanted and intentional physical conduct that is sexual in nature 

• Material such as pornographic or sexually explicit images, posters, calendars, or objects. 

• Unwelcome and inappropriate sexual activities, advances, comments, innuendoes, bullying, jokes, gestures, electronic communications or messages (e.g. email, text, social media, voicemail), exploitation, exposure, leering, stalking or invasion of sexual privacy. 

• A sexually hostile environment characterized as comments or conduct that unreasonably interferes with one’s work performance or ability to do the job or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. 

• Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of employment or affiliation with the organization. 

Reporting Procedure: Immediately report suspected sexual abuse or misconduct to a member of the Girls Softball League of Jefferson County Board or Director of Sports. It is not required to directly confront the person who is the source of the report, question or complaint before notifying any of the individuals listed. Girls Softball League of Jefferson County will take every reasonable measure to ensure that those named in a complaint of misconduct, or are too closely associated with those involved in the complaint will not be part of the investigative team. 

Anti-retaliation and False Allegations: Girls Softball League of Jefferson County prohibits retaliation made against any employee, volunteer, board member, or other person who lodges a good faith complaint of sexual abuse or misconduct or who participates in any related investigation. Making knowingly false or malicious accusations of sexual abuse or misconduct can have serious consequences for those who are wrongly accused. Girls Softball League of Jefferson County prohibits making false or malicious sexual misconduct allegations, as well as deliberately providing false information during an investigation. Anyone who violates this rule is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or membership and criminal prosecution. 

Investigation and Follow-up: Girls Softball League of Jefferson County will cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by law enforcement or other regulatory/protective services agencies. 

Reporting to Law Enforcement or Appropriate Child or Adult Protective Services: Girls Softball League of Jefferson County is committed to following the state and federal legal requirements for reporting allegations or incidents of sexual abuse or misconduct to appropriate law enforcement and child or adult protective services organizations. It is the policy of Girls Softball League of Jefferson County not to attempt to investigate or assess the validity or credibility of an allegation of sexual or physical abuse as a condition before IMMEDIATELY reporting the allegation to proper law enforcement authorities or protective services organizations