SUSPECTS in Oxfam's sexual misconduct scandal 'physically threatened' a witness during a 2011 investigation, a report has revealed.

Cowley-based Oxfam has published a previously confidential report, documenting its initial probe into allegations about its aid workers in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. 

These include that Oxfam workers paid for prostitutes and sexually harrassed staff in guest houses. 

The charity has published the 10-page document for the first time following mounting pressure for it to be more open about its response to the allegations.

In a statement alongside the report it said: "We are making this exceptional publication because we want to be as transparent as possible about the decisions we made during this particular investigation and in recognition of the breach of trust that has been caused.

"We hope this also contributes to rebuilding trust with those who support our work."

The report said three suspects 'physically threatened and intimidated one of the witness' during the investigation, which led to 'further charges of bullying' against them. 

It concluded charities should be warned about 'problem staff' who should not be 'recycled' into other positions in aid work - but several accused to successfully move on to other roles in the sector. 

It found suspicions that under-age sex workers had been exploited 'cannot be ruled out'.

It stressed the need for tighter safeguarding across the aid sector to stop disgraced workers moving to new posts.

The document states: "Need better mechanisms for informing other regions/affiliates/agencies of behavioural issues with staff when they move and to avoid 'recycling' poor performers/problem staff."

Several men at the centre of the allegations subsequently took up roles in aid organisations, including at Oxfam.

Other recommendations included stricter referencing checks for staff, the need for 'more embedding of women's rights at the heart of all we do' and a call to refresh and increase awareness training on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.

Oxfam faces threatened funding and an investigation by the Charity Commission.

At the weekend Bishop of Oxford the Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft said the allegations were 'terrible' but urged people to remember the 'tremendous work' aid charities do.

Speaking to the BBC, he added: "I hope it won't diminish the support people give. 

"The majority of people who work in those charities would find these things abhorrent."