Level 1: Level 1 is considered the US normal, and as a standard of practice, should not apply to individuals and teams serving internationally.
Level 2: International normal readiness level. Standard overseas threat level. Level 2 situations are taken care of locally by the field team.
Level 3: Local Field Team manages the situation, but the team informs Reliant's International Crisis Manager by reporting the international incident so that Reliant can evaluate the situation. Typically at this level, the incident is localized and on a smaller scale. Reliant would not know of the incident without the field team informing us. Reliant would like to hear that "we are fine" and be available to help evaluate the situation and provide assistance if needed.
Level 4: Local Field Team still mostly manages the situation. As soon as possible, the team informs Reliant's International Crisis Manager by reporting the international incident and Reliant's ICMT is now actively involved in the decision-making and helping the field team directly.
Level 5: Management of the crisis is now beyond the capacity of the local field team to manage independently. Reliant's International Crisis Management Team or its pre-approved delegate is now managing the situation until the Local Field Team returns to a position to do so themselves. This is a major crisis resulting in ongoing disruption to field operations or the threat now inhibits the ability of the team to safely continue.
Specific Readiness Level To Determine Next Steps
| Level 5 | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
Rape, sexual assault, or sexual violence occurs | Sexual contact is made Significant and specific threats of assault or sexual exposure continued and escalating pursuit by an individual or group A major isolated incident is attempted/directed at a team member | Persistent sexual advances or noticeable pursuit from an individual or a group that is directed at a team member or multiple team members. Still able to be moderately avoided or deterred A significant isolated incident is attempted/directed at a team member | Sexual advances that are easily avoided or deterred |
Steps to Reduce Probability and Consequences
- Practice situational awareness (Color Codes for Situational Awareness) and communicate routinely with the other team members and the Field Leader
- Consider moving meetings or activities with unknown parties from private locations to public locations, preferably those with law enforcement officials in the vicinity
- Have an evaluation of the local medical facilities including their ability to handle sexual assault
Applicable Corporate Policies
- Evacuations may be authorized and mandated at either the local, Self-Evacuation, or Reliant level.
- Know your Places of Refuge
- Employee Reporting
- International Crisis Counseling
- Confidentiality During Crisis Events
- Medical Information Confidentiality
Crisis Resolution Protocol
Credible Threat
- As soon as you are able, begin documenting and gathering information, Label as CONFIDENTIAL and secure all documents from public view when not in use
- Determine the location and status of all personnel
- If applicable, call the local authorities (The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) app has local "911" numbers you can call- See Helpful International Risk Management Resources)
- Contact Reliant to report the incident: Crisis Reporting for International Incident
- With an escort, immediately relocate to a secure location and/or Evacuate depending on the threat
- Reliant will reach out to receive more details for their internal crisis report. Eventually, Reliant will share a communication tracking log that will serve as a way for team leaders and Shared Crisis Authority and Responsibility in Reliant Partnerships to all view communication updates between Reliant and the field team member
- All non-threatened personnel Shelter in Place in a team facility and confer with the ICMT for instructions
Rape or Sexual Assault Occurs
- Secure the immediate safety of the victim and provide necessary medical care
- As soon as you are able, begin documenting and gathering information, Label as CONFIDENTIAL and secure all documents from public view when not in use
- Contact Reliant to report the incident: Crisis Reporting for International Incident
- Immediately relocate to a secure location for evaluation
- All non-threatened personnel lockdown in a team facility and confer with the ICMT for instructions
- Specifically recommend to the victim that the incident be reported to local authorities, if wise and possible in the local context
- If the victim agrees, confidentially contact local law enforcement, if possible, taking any possible steps to protect the victim’s identity. (The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) app has local "911" numbers you can call- See Helpful International Risk Management Resources)
- If the victim refuses, respect their wishes, and make specific note of the refusal and the reasons behind the decision
- Specifically, recommend a medical examination for the victim for physical trauma and infectious disease
- If the victim agrees, proceed to the nearest appropriate medical facility for an examination following the team member's predetermined Evaluation of Local Hospitals and Health Facilities
- If the victim declines, respect their wishes, and make specific note of the refusal and the reasons behind the decision
- Reliant will reach out to receive more details for their internal crisis report. Eventually, Reliant will share a communication tracking log that will serve as a way for team leaders and Shared Crisis Authority and Responsibility in Reliant Partnerships to all view communication updates between Reliant and the field team member
- Arrange for timely, ongoing International Crisis Counseling
- If necessary activate a medical emergency Evacuation (Contact applicable Reliant insurance providers for assistance)
- Submit all medical costs incurred on their behalf to the insurance company for reimbursement (or ask Reliant to do this on their behalf)
- Follow all ICMT directions and recommendations
