Victims first: Are we prioritizing abusers over survivors in the development sector?
“He’s done so much good for the community.”
This was what Alyssa said when asked why she never came forward about her partner, a reputable leader in the development sector, subjecting her to months of physical and sexual mistreatment.
The belief that telling the truth about an abuser might be harmful to her community — that she might be depriving her people of the initiatives advanced by this man — was yet another layer added to the usual reasons women are reluctant to report abuse.
Why women don’t report abuse
Even without this layer, women are already hesitant for a number of reasons. Women may be afraid of retaliation from the person or the organization they represent; they may worry that reporting the abuse could jeopardize their career, their reputation, or even their personal safety. In many cases, including Alyssa’s, the abuser may hold a position of power over the victim-survivor. This power dynamic can make it challenging for the victim-survivor to come forward, as they may feel that their word will not be believed or that they will not be taken seriously.
There are also legal and structural barriers that prevent women from reporting abuse, such as the fear of not having sufficient evidence, the anxiety of having to relive the experience in front of those who would question and attempt to disprove it, or the length and burden of the process of seeking justice. And, of course, many cultures still perpetuate a stigma surrounding reporting abuse, bolstered by a belief that women should keep quiet about such issues or that such issues should be handled discreetly.
Alyssa knew that if she came forward, her community would be divided; some may support her and condemn the man, while others might believe that she would only be damaging the prospects of the community by speaking out. Some of the latter might not believe her at all. They might find it difficult to reconcile the man’s public persona with private abuse. They might also fear reputational damage, financial losses, or a collapse in donor and public support if they acknowledged the man’s alleged wrongdoing.
Either way, Alyssa felt that coming forward would hold her community back from the gains they had worked years to achieve. She shared that abuse perpetrated by development leaders feels ironic to her, “because the development sector is supposed to be dedicated to improving people’s lives.”
Why abusers should be held accountable
Indeed, when a leader spouts principles of equality and justice onstage and commits abuse behind closed doors, it is a betrayal of the essence of the sector. The character of organizations working toward social impact hinges not only on their public image but also on the virtue of their leadership. When those in power perform harmful acts even in the private sphere, they undermine the trust that communities, funders, and colleagues place in them. This hypocrisy erodes morale within organizations, discourages talented individuals from staying in the field, and ultimately weakens the very movements meant to uplift marginalized voices. Leadership demands accountability and a commitment to ethical behavior, not just in rhetoric but in action.
There have been numerous instances where leaders in the development sector have engaged in harmful acts in their private lives, ultimately damaging the standing of their organizations. One example is the 2018 sexual exploitation scandal of senior staff members of an international NGO, which led to the withdrawal of funding from institutions such as the UK government.
Another example is the 2020 posthumous exposé of an international network founder, which left numerous Canadian organizations grappling with what to do, as the founder’s name was attached to several Catholic schools across Canada, as well as prestigious national awards and accolades.
Closer to home, a final example is the 2023 news on the leader of the civic organization that allegedly enforced mandatory labor, restrained freedom of movement, and facilitated involuntary child marriages, which led to public outrage all over the Philippines.
It bears stressing that speaking out is not just an act of courage but also a step toward justice. When victim-survivors and allies expose misconduct, they not only seek justice for themselves but also shield others from experiencing the same fate. Accountability sends a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated, reinforcing the sector’s credibility and ensuring it remains a space of safety and empowerment.
How to prioritize survivors
But empowering women to confront abuse by men who hold power in the sector requires much work, centered on victim-survivors’ safety and systemic change. For one, organizations must establish clear policies that protect victim-survivors, ensuring confidential reporting mechanisms, survivor-centered support systems, and swift, impartial investigations. The sector itself must equip women with knowledge of their rights, access to legal and psychosocial support, and networks of solidarity that amplify their voices and shield them from retaliation. After all, genuine empowerment goes beyond individual resilience — it demands collective action to dismantle structures that enable abuse and build a sector where justice and well-being are non-negotiable.
The development sector exists to uplift vulnerable communities, and it cannot fulfill that mission if it fails to protect its own. Only through changes in its own ranks can the sector ensure that women like Alyssa are more safeguarded than the abusers who claim to uphold the sector’s values. – Rappler.com
Angela Maree Encomienda, 24, is a development practitioner, law student, and sociologist with a passion for child and youth development, gender equality, and climate action. She is the founder and chairperson of The Initiative PH and the National Youth Convenor of YouthVote Philippines.