The Threat Exposure Principle (TEP)

The Threat Exposure Principle recognises that harm begins at the moment an individual is exposed to risk through knowledge of wrongdoing, raising concerns, uncovering wrongdoing, or becoming connected to misconduct — not the moment retaliation is visible or proven. 

Threat exposure therefore precedes visible retaliation and represents the phase/s during which individuals are vulnerable to institutional, economic, social or psychological harm. 

Threat exposure may manifest through overt retaliation, covert retaliation, structural punishment or vicarious harm affecting livelihood, housing, reputation, or family stability.

This principle highlights that threat itself functions as a deterrent mechanism and should be recognised within governance and legal frameworks as evidence of risk requiring protection.

TEP provides the legal trigger; FMLSAM explains the human and systemic consequences. 

More coming soon