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    Rab's World!

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    "It's not about the road you walk, it's about the people you meet on the way, that makes your life special!"
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    OXFAM - Remembering Events Three Years Ago!

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    Today has been another difficult day for Oxfam, as they try and limit the damage, done in their name. I have spoken much about the events of the last few days, but very little about how Darrell and I are feeling ourselves; today I want to change that. As you might expect, a lot of bad memories have surfaced, as we both once again deal with the fallout from Oxfam; it really does feel, like I have been transported back three years, the day after I was attacked and bullied by a member of the Oxfam team.

    Darrell and I have been talking about current events, every minute of every day. From the moment we get up in the morning, until last thing at night, Oxfam is firmly on our mind. Sky news is constantly on the television and I am spending my time answering emails and correspondence, from ex Oxfam employees, friends and well wishers, offering support at this time. Whilst all of this concern is appreciated, it isn't always helpful, especially when you are trying to forget the difficulties of the past. It does seem that this scandal isn't going to go away quickly; we will be living with this for sometime, something I am preparing for.

    Before falling asleep, whilst laying in bed, we have been reliving our own experiences, trying to once again work out, just what did happen in 2015. We were told this would be a period in our life, we would always remember and not for the right reasons. Our recollections, as difficult as they are, do at least keep a connection with the past, that we will have to eventually deal with. Closure will come at some point, of that we have no doubt, we just do not know when. The scandal will open up many more deep wounds, not only for us, but also for others who were at the wrong end of Oxfam's bullying. These are injuries that have never healed in any case and need to be redressed once again.

    As Darrell and I enter our third year living in Spain, we have become far more grateful for the life we have, away from the trauma we experienced at Oxfam. Until recently I was thinking about them less and less, maybe once a month or so. This also reflected in my writing. I haven't blogged about Oxfam this much, for countless months. I had adapted to my new life in Spain and was slowly forgetting the stress of the past. I suppose I took my eye off the ball for a bit and started to relax, letting my guard down; the drama always tends to resurface at moments like this. Again I will have to pick up the pieces, from where I last left off.

    A lot has happened, since the debacle at Oxfam. I arrived in Spain emotionally and physically exhausted; it took a long time to feel comfortable in my new surroundings. However Spain did what the UK and medication couldn't, make me feel alive again; able to walk down a street unaided, live the life I've always wanted and begin the process of forgetting. Today, every bad, adverse and inconsolable detail has come tumbling back into my World. Both Darrell and I have to start the process of remembering once more; even those issues we never wanted to recall again. It is important for us to end this cycle of strife, drawing a line under this episode, in order to move forwards in a positive way.

    It has been a lovely day here in Gran Alacant, so we have both been out enjoying the sun, getting some fresh air and avoiding the news. During the three days I have had off work, I have just been stuck in front of the TV, digesting the unfolding events, as astonished and dismayed as everyone else. I never expected the circumstances of Oxfam's unraveling to be this obnoxious, despite what I went through; only time will tell, just how this charade plays out. Until then, we shall be keeping up with our daily walking, keeping occupied and staying well away from the fray!
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    Rab's World!

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    "Middle age is a time when you discover you keep on growing older, even after you are old enough!"
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    OXFAM - The Fallout!

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    Each new day, seems to bring new revelations in the Oxfam scandal. The fallout from this shocking episode is widening and I am finding it difficult to keep up with events, back home in the UK. Today Minnie Driver quit as an Oxfam ambassador. This is fabulous news for all of us who have been campaigning against Oxfam. The only way we can show our revulsion towards this discredited charity, is to vote with our feet. Minnie was a high profile campaigner; her conclusion to quit, will send a signal to other supporters and donators, to walk away from this organisation. All of us have our own 'moral dilemma' to resolve; should we still support their work, or not? Good people work and volunteer for Oxfam, I understand that; they too have to decide who to champion in future. As someone who used to 'gift aid' donated items to Oxfam; I will be writing a letter as soon as possible, to ask for all the income generated, from the sale of my items back; something any of you can do. This is not about revenge, this is about principles and morals, something Oxfam do not understand!

    In true Oxfam style, a known paedophile and abuser was removed from their job in Chad, only to be relocated to Haiti, where they had access to vulnerable underage children; this is a typical response, from Oxfam, unable to deal with the consequences of their actions. In my case, the Manager who bullied and harassed me had been relocated from another area into ours. According to a senior colleague, based at Oxfam House, abusers are simply moved sideways when they are caught, sweeping the problem under the carpet, leaving someone else to pick up the pieces. Oxfam it seems are well aware of the bullies in their midst, but choose to ignore their actions in fear of repercussions. It's clear that there is a culture of sociopathic behaviour within the structure of Oxfam, from the top down; each person learning anti social misconduct from their superiors. Intimidation is rife and there is no one in-situ to protect those who need it. The Management structure at Oxfam gives a single individual the power over others. With no checks and balances in place, many colleagues, volunteers and victims have been exposed to potentially harmful threats.

    When I discovered what happened to me, I was offered no support from Oxfam. I couldn't talk to anyone about my experiences. Another work colleague was entrusted with my welfare; someone I respected at first, believing they could help me through this process. As I soon discovered, she was nothing but another bully; I was being passed from one tormentor to another. There were no safeguards in place to protect me as an employee; I was left very much on my own to deal with the unfolding events. Oxfam have taken no responsibility for employing known abusers; they allowed them to run amock throughout the charity. If one considers that in my region alone, there were twenty plus Managers and around six hundred volunteers, you can immediately see a long list of potential casualties. One single Manager had complete power over six hundred and twenty people and no one questioned this. cases of mistreatment in my region alone were unbelievably high and still rising when I left.

    Somebody needs to get to the bottom of this sordid affair. There will be a statutory inquiry into Oxfam, carried out by The Charity Commission; about as bad as it gets for a charity. I'm not sure if the commission is the right body to carry out this mammoth task, after all some of the blame lies firmly with them. They should have been investigating Oxfam years ago. I contacted this body in 2015/16 to report serious failures of safeguarding, not only with regards myself, but also colleagues who had contacted me asking for help. Their response was slow, inadequate and included no follow up.

    People are talking about a restructuring process at Oxfam, Managers being investigated and many employees being dismissed; a welcome development, but one that does not go far enough. I am aware that bullying, denial and concealment have been going on for years; tinkering around the edges will not help. I am firmly of the view, that this trust now needs to close. The dreadful incidents that happened, coupled with any investigation and subsequent dismissals will ensure Oxfam's reputation is irreparably damaged. No charitable organisation can function effectively after this betrayal of trust!
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    Please help fight the abusers; join our facebook campaign today. CLICK THE BANNER ABOVE!

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    Zest's 2nd Anniversary!

    After a lovely afternoon in Masa Square, Darrell and I went to Zest's 2nd anniversary party in Sierra Mar. I don't often get up the top of the hill these days, so was looking forward to a good evening; I wasn't disappointed. Zest was our local bar, before we moved to Puerto Marino; we both support its endeavours when we can. Friendly and welcoming, we always enjoy an evening out at this popular Gran Alacant venue!

    Zest pulled out all the stops once again; we had a fantastic evening. Cherry K performed live, there was baked potatoes and a Birthday cake; who could ask for more.

    Six Bloody Mary's later I eventually made it home; how I don't know. It was a long walk down the hill, one I can't actually remember; the hangover this morning told me everything I needed to know!

    Well done to all at Zest for a fantastic night, Happy 2nd anniversary, may you have many more!
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    Campaign Against Oxfam Bullies - #metoooxfam

    Are you are a victim of mistreatment at Oxfam? If so, I would like to hear from you. I am compiling a dossier detailing issues of abuse, to send to 'The Charity Commission,' from all of those of have suffered whilst working at this large international charity. The 'Me Too Oxfam,' campaign aims to bring all the victims together, to share their experiences; stronger together! We are talking about bullying, harassment and victimisation in the work place. My partner and I became casualties, nearly three years ago now, having left the UK, to restart our life in Spain. I have been campaigning tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice and will not stop until they have all been removed from post. After the revelations of abuses in Haiti and more recently their network of shops, I feel the time is right to act; I hope you do too!

    Please contact me using the form below. All correspondence will be kept private and confidential, unless you inform me otherwise.

    You are not alone!
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