Code of Conduct

ARRA Code of Conduct
July 2015

At all ARRA events you can expect to find romance authors and romance readers speaking frankly about sex and sharing sexy books covers. If you are offended by either of these, or if you are under 18, these are probably not the events for you. The nature of our events does not mean, however, that anyone has the right to harass our delegates or otherwise make them feel uncomfortable. We expect everyone attending our events to treat each other with respect. Below is a code of conduct that we expect everyone attending our events to adhere to.

ARRA is committed to providing a safe and harassment-free experience for all romance readers. ARRA is committed to hosting events that are free from discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying.

We will not tolerate harassment, bullying, or assault of participants in any form. Participants violating these rules may be expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the organisers, or authorities may be contacted.

This policy extends to all organisers, venue staff, guests and delegates. Harassment from or towards anyone, anywhere, is not acceptable. Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

Harassment/bullying includes, but is not limited to:

offensive personal comments related to age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race or religion
threats or blackmail
deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
harassing or inappropriate photography or recording
sustained disruption of talks or panels, or any disturbance to the detriment of others
inappropriate physical contact, or contact that causes pain or injury
unwelcome sexual attention
pornographic images or displays in public spaces
making someone fearful through certain behaviours
assault of a physical nature.

It is up to everyone to be conscious of the behaviours of others, and to not accept inappropriate behaviour. What may be appropriate to your friends, may not be appropriate to those around you at the event, so be aware of your surroundings and the feelings and opinions of others.

Staff may take any action they deem appropriate within the scope of the law. Participants asked by staff to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately. At the discretion of the organisers, the harasser may be expelled immediately (without refund) or may be given a warning. In addition to expelling offenders who repeatedly violate these policies, organisers may also notify local law enforcement authorities.

All recorded details of the incident gathered for reporting (which may include but are not limited to security footage, video playback and photographs, statements from victims and witnesses, etc.) will be handed over to the police if required.

If you are being harassed or bullied, please contact a member of the organising staff immediately, or go to the registration desk for help. The organisers will conduct investigations as needed, assist participants to contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.

If you witness harassment or bullying, contact organisers or staff at the registration desk, and do not engage directly. Take note of the person’s appearance and any other information, such as time and location, what was said or done, and whether the person or persons moved to a different location after the incident. You may be called upon to provide a witness statement in the case of an incident report being completed.

We expect all attendees to follow this Code of Conduct at all ARRA events.