Sexual Abuse and Molestation Policy

At Karnataka Cultural Association of Southern California (KCA-SC), the safety, dignity, and well-being of all participants, volunteers, and members—especially minors—is our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and secure environment for everyone involved in our programs and events.

This policy applies to all volunteers, staff, and individuals representing KCA-SC in any official capacity.

Policy Overview

KCA-SC strictly prohibits all forms of abuse and misconduct, including but not limited to:

• Sexual Abuse: Any form of sexual assault, inappropriate physical contact, sexually oriented comments or jokes, or sharing of explicit images.

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, choking, striking with objects, or any intentional act meant to cause physical harm.

• Emotional Abuse: Verbal attacks, name-calling, intimidation, exclusion, or degrading comments directed at any participant or community member—including comments made in English or Kannada that are meant to insult, demean, or humiliate.

• Bullying and Hazing: Any persistent or deliberate actions—physical, verbal, or online—that seek to intimidate, humiliate, or isolate another individual.

Interactions with Minors

To protect minors in our community:

• One-on-One Contact: Volunteers and staff must avoid private, unobservable interactions with minors unless absolutely necessary (e.g., in emergency situations). Whenever possible, interactions should occur in visible and interruptible settings.

• Electronic Communication: Communication with minors via email, text, or social media must be strictly limited to official KCA-SC activities.

• Transportation: Volunteers and staff are strongly discouraged from transporting minors alone due to the inherent risk of one-on-one contact.

Reporting Concerns

If you witness or suspect any instance of abuse, molestation, or misconduct, we urge you to report it immediately. You can:

• Report directly to the President (president@socalkca.com) or any member of the Executive Committee

All reports will be handled with urgency, confidentiality, and care.