SF con's often get a lot of negative coverage for not having or enforcing a safety or harassment policy, so we've made sure to get ours firmly in place from the day our site goes live.
Here it is.
Safety and Harassment Policy
The Organisers, are committed to running a conference that is as free from harassment as we can possibly make it. Conference and event organisers are authorised to take any curative or corrective action they deem necessary to protect event attendees, including staff and volunteers, from those who have committed acts of harassment, up to and including expelling the offender from the event without a refund or contacting the police. Regardless of whether or not an action was taken against an offender during a conference or event, the organiser reserves the right to take additional protective actions, up to and including prohibiting (temporarily or permanently) the offenders attendance at future Science Fiction Book Club events.
Definition of Harassment
"Harassment" is acting in a manner that is disturbing or upsetting to others. That includes and is not limited to: making grossly offensive comments, making repeated or unwanted sexual advances, being deliberately intimidating, stalking or following, photographing or recording in an upsetting manner, repeatedly disrupting panels or other events, making inappropriate physical contact, staring or leering, and taking retaliatory action against someone who complained of harassment, or encouraging others to take retaliatory action.
What should I do if I am being harassed?
In some cases you may find the harassment stops if you clearly say ‘no’ or ‘please leave me alone’, or simply walk away. We would appreciate it if a volunteer was still informed to help us identify any repeat offenders.
If you continue to be harassed or notice someone else being harassed, please contact a the organiser of a volunteer immediately. Con volunteers will help participants contact venue security or law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe during the con.
Future Updates to this Policy
The Organiser will, on a semi-regular basis, review the implementation of this policy and revise it as needed. If you have any comments on this please get in touch, we want to hear from you.
Security Policy
NO means "no". STOP means "stop". GO AWAY means "go away". All attendees at Women in Science Fiction are expected to treat other attendees, guests, staff, and the general public with respect. If someone tells you they are uncomfortable with what you are doing, STOP IMMEDIATELY. If you are unsure what constitutes harassment, err on the side of caution. Physical and verbal harassment and sexual assault will not be tolerated.
If you engage in harassing behaviour, the Organiser will take any action deemed appropriate, including warning, revoking your membership and attendance, and expulsion from the Conference with no refund. Police will be called in if necessary. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the Organiser immediately.
Full Rules of the Conference will be in your program book (if we have one).
Please note: This policy document has been shamelessly "borrowed" from BayCon and Nine Worlds.