Harassment and Bullying Policy
NineDots is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and safe space NineDots Gathering experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion.
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
We operate an unequivocal zero tolerance approach towards harassment at NineDots Gathering in any form.
OUR COMMITMENTS
Anyone in attendance at the NineDots Gathering (including Presenters and Sponsors) found violating this policy will be immediately expelled from the event and may be issued with a lifetime ban from any future event taking place under the NineDots brand.
We commit to not approach or book any presenters or exhibiting sponsors at our event if we have been made aware of any behaviour at other photography events, at workshops or conferences, or on social media which violates our own harassment policy.
Should we find that any of our already booked presenters or exhibiting sponsors have been found to behave in a way which violates this policy at other photography events, at workshops or conferences, or on social media they will be immediately suspended from attending the NineDots Gathering while we investigate further, and may then be expelled from the event and banned from all future NineDots events.
Equally, if it is reported to us before the event that any Gathering ticket-holders have behaved in a way which violates this policy at other photography events, at workshops or conferences, or on social media their Gathering ticket will be immediately suspended while we investigate further, and may then be cancelled and refund given, along with a lifetime ban from all future NineDots events.
WHAT IS HARASSMENT?
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
— Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion.
— Sexual images in public space
—Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
— Harassing photography or recording
— Sustained disruption of talks or other events
— Inappropriate physical contact
— Unwelcome sexual attention
— Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour
Enforcement
Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour or ordered to leave the Gathering as a result of breaching this policy are expected to comply immediately with any instructions given.
Presenters, and exhibiting sponsors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, exhibitors should not use sexualised images, activities, or other material and should not use sexualised clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualised environment.
If anyone in attendance at the NineDots Gathering engages in harassing behaviour, event organisers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the Gathering with no refund given.
Event organisers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants.
We expect all in attendance at the Gathering to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities including parties as well as in any NineDots moderated Facebook groups.
Reporting INSTANCES OF HARRASSMENT
Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy and feel safe at the Gathering.
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible to either one of the conference organisers or one of the male or female event staff who will be identified at the start of the Gathering.
You can make a report either personally or anonymously.
Anonymous Report
You can make an anonymous report here: https://nine-dots.co/gathering/harassment-report/
We obviously can’t follow up an anonymous report with you directly, but we will fully investigate it and take whatever action is necessary to prevent a recurrence.
Personal Report
You can make a personal report by:
— Contacting a NineDots staff member, all of whom will be introduced at the beginning of the event, and there will be both male and female staff members in attendance at all events and venues.
— Contacting any of the named ambassadors below – before, during or after the Gathering.
— Filling in a report form here: https://nine-dots.co/gathering/harassment-report/
When taking a personal report during the event, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event or venue staff/security to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we’ll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we’ll handle it as respectfully as possible. You won’t be asked to confront anyone and we won’t tell anyone who you are.
Our team will be happy to help you contact venue security, local law enforcement, local support services, provide escorts, seek medical assistance or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event as required or necessary.
NINEDOTS AMBASSADORS
As a male run conference, we want to make females feel they can approach other females if they choose to make a report of harassment (anonymous or otherwise). We also wanted to offer totally independent individuals if you don’t feel it appropriate to approach us directly. To that end we’ve put together a team of ambassadors who you can approach with your report, who have agreed to deal with any reports seriously and discreetly.
Nadine Van Biljon / 07710820665 / hello@nadinevanbiljon.com
Frances Foster
Janina Brocklesby / 07890 043682
Other contacts
Email address for organisers: hello@nine-dots.co
Phone numbers
Andy Gaines: 07799265834
Rahul Khona: 07961418111
Police Emergency: 999
Police Non Emergency: 101
