Sexual Misconduct Policy | Veterinarians Without Borders
Skip to Main Content

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB) has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct of any kind among VWB's employees or related personnel. In the promotion of a working environment that's free from harassment and abuse, VWB has committed to fight abuse and to reinforce mechanisms and procedures to prevent and address this. This includes enhancing grievance channels at all levels of the organization, and supporting victims and whistleblowers.

VWB adheres to these guidelines:

  • Everyone engaged in the work of VWB has the right to work in a harassment-free and respectful environment.
  • VWB is committed to addressing inappropriate behaviour, including sexual misconduct, by or towards its employees or related personnel.
    VWB employees or related personnel responsible for conduct which can be construed as sexual misconduct will be subject to appropriate administrative and/or disciplinary measures.
  • Measures to deal with sexual misconduct will be based on the principles of fairness, impartiality, sensitivity and respect. However, VWB recognizes the importance of believing those people who come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct and taking steps to protect victims from the person or people alleged to have committed sexual misconduct.
  • Everyone who represents VWB has a responsibility to sustain a respectful work environment by upholding the highest standards of conduct and applying necessary confidentiality measures. VWB will ensure that adequate resources are available to promote a positive work environment and to prevent inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.
  • Complainants have the right to choose an informal (discussion with Immediate Supervisor, Country Director and/or Local Coordinator) or formal dispute resolution process (via the online complaints mechanism, vwbincidents.ca)
  • VWB will provide appropriate mechanisms to prevent or deal with retaliation related to the reporting of allegations of sexual misconduct.

Questions about VWB's policies around sexual misconduct? Reach out to info@vwb.org for more information, or contact us confidentially at vwbincidents.ca

Stories From Around The World

More Than Medicine: How Veterinarians Strengthen Communities and Ecosystems

More Than Medicine: How Veterinarians Strengthen Communities and Ecosystems

Posted Apr 25th, 2025

This article explores the diverse and often underrecognized roles of veterinarians within a One Health framework, highlighting how their work in animal health, food safety, wildlife conservation, and climate adaptation strengthens communities, safeguards ecosystems, and supports global health resilience.

Read more

Veterinarians on the Frontlines: How Animal Immunization Safeguards Public Health and Livelihoods

Veterinarians on the Frontlines: How Animal Immunization Safeguards Public Health and Livelihoods

Posted Apr 24th, 2025

This article examines the vital role of veterinarians in immunization and disease prevention, highlighting how VWB’s One Health approach — through vaccination campaigns, CAHW training, and real-time disease surveillance — protects public health, supports farmer livelihoods, and strengthens animal health systems in vulnerable communities.

Read more

Dog Bite Prevention Week: Protecting people, animals, and communities in the far North

Dog Bite Prevention Week: Protecting people, animals, and communities in the far North

Posted Apr 14th, 2025

In remote areas, like the far North, dog bites are more prevalent. This Dog Bite Prevention Week, we're raising awareness about how reading dog body language and improving access to veterinary care can reduce bites—and prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.

Read more

  • The most rewarding part of my placements was helping others and seeing the many lives that are impacted along the way.
    - Nikki Sheedy

Become A Part Of The Big Picture

By supporting Veterinarians Without Borders through donations or volunteering, you become part of the Big Picture solution. 

Volunteer  Donate  

+1(343) 633-0272 Contact