Anti-Harassment Policy

AthVentureCon is dedicated to providing a harassment-free convention experience for everyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of convention participants or staff in any form. Sexually objectifying attire, language and imagery is not appropriate for anywhere in the venue, including talks. Convention participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the convention [without a refund] at the discretion of the AthVentureCon committee members. 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 spaces
  • 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 are expected to comply immediately

All artists, vendors, game masters, presenters and volunteers are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, games, activities and items for sale should not be of an overly sexualised nature. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualised environment.

If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, AthVentureCon committee members 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 AthVentureCon [with no refund].

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 participants to follow these rules at all AthVentureCon activities and event-related social activities throughout the weekend . We think people should follow these rules outside event activities too!

Reporting

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. AthVentureCon staff can be identified by t-shirts and it will be listed on their lanyard. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event. People like you make our event a better place.

You can make a report either personally or anonymously.

Anonymous Report

You can make an anonymous report here

We 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 staff member, identified by T-shirts and lanyard labels.

When taking a personal report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff 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, and you can bring someone to support you. 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 hotel/venue security, local law enforcement, local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.

Email address for organisers: info@athventurecon.ie (this will be monitored throughout the convention)

  • Loughrea Hotel: (091) 880 088
  • Local law enforcement: 999/112 for immediate emergency assistance

Freephone the Galway Rape Crisis Centre Helpline: 1800 355 355