Finally today could be the beginning of the end for Oxfam and those that have protected the abusers on their very doorstep. I turned on the television this evening and was greeted by the shocking news, that Oxfam aid workers in Haiti had used prostitutes, many of whom were under age minors. The Charity Commission had been informed of an incident several years ago by Oxfam, but had not been told the full truth; Oxfam were covering up the full extent of the crimes committed by people it employed. This is of course very sad, deeply distressing for those who suffered mistreatment, but no surprise to me.
I want to first talk about these allegations. As an employee of the charity at the time these assertions surfaced, I was informed of the abuses carried by Oxfam staff, along with my colleagues, in a hurriedly arranged meeting. The Head of HR, Beth Mayes arrived in our region to give a talk about safeguarding. Oxfam had implemented new rules to stop a repeat of the dreadful acts that happened in Haiti. All Oxfam employees would have to abide by these new conditions or lose their positions of employment. The guidelines were unusual; like nothing I had experienced before. No Oxfam employee was allowed to be in a relationship with someone under the age of eighteen. Alarm bells started to ring; this was a scandal involving children, yet the Charity Commission had not been told this important fact.
We were informed that is was necessary to employ these measures, in order to protect vulnerable individuals; all very honourable I hear you say. There were objections and questions about what happened in Haiti. I soon became aware at that meeting, Oxfam were covering something up; we were not being told the full truth. Like everyone there, we left the gathering somewhat confused. What exactly happened in Haiti? Who were Oxfam trying to protect?
My own story working at this organisation is well known. Darrell and I had become victims of abuse because of sexuality and illness. We were attacked for being vulnerable ourselves; not only by those at the top, but also co-workers, who had clearly been told some very personal details, about us and our life. We lived each day under a threat of further bullying. One particular colleague threatened to burn down our home, kill our cats and kidnap my partner, tying him up in the boot of a car. Our car was damaged; lies and misinformation were freely expressed and concerns for our safety were growing rapidly.
We made a stand to try and put an end to this saga, making a series of complaints about our superior Veronica Raymond. For nearly a year, we both went through hell and back, trying to get justice for our failing health and loss of career. Even when we attended official meetings, the procedures employed by those from Head Office, at Oxfam House, were deeply disturbing in nature. In the end I was left broken by my employer protecting the bullies, hiding the truth and not wanting to own up to their own failings. My life was in danger from people who cared only for their own survival. As I later found out, the full extent of what happened to me and others in the charity, was covered up; Oxfam closed ranks and supported the criminals in their employ.
I have been campaigning tirelessly, so those responsible for mistreatment, bullying and criminal acts can be brought to justice. I have whistleblown, spoken to legal advisors and have sent numerous emails, thus far to no avail. Nevertheless the Charity Commission did admit Oxfam had made a series of mistakes and were investigating mine and Darrell’s case further. Darrell and I left the UK, after our experiences with Oxfam, unable to recover from the atrocities they committed. We had to give up our life, move to Spain, change our names, in order to move forwards in life. All because Oxfam failed to protect me, my partner, fellow workers and vulnerable volunteers. Their reputation was of paramount importance, they didn’t care who became victims.
Oxfam have been protecting some terrible individuals, Managers and Directors, both in the UK and further afield. It is time they stood up and admitted their faults, which are many. I became a victim of a cover up, as did many others, we all deserve better. I hope now others will come forward with their own stories. I have had no closure on what happened to me. I still have nightmares when I recall events three years ago. Lives have been destroyed, colleagues abandoned and in one severe case, a fellow Manager from Ireland committed suicide. I am reminded of what one associate said to me anonymously a little over a year ago; someone who used to work in the HR Department at Oxfam House. She admitted everyone was so worried about surviving, paying for the high mortgages and cost of living in Oxfordshire, that they had lost their way. Their concern was for themselves and paying the bills, not those they were supposed to be helping and supporting. A terrible indictment on one of the biggest charities in the World. My advice: don’t give a single penny to these people, that have not only abused employees, but they have also abused you, your trust and your donations!
