Supanova Anti-Harassment Policy
Supanova Comic Con & Gaming is dedicated to providing a welcoming and harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance (including costumes), body size, race, or religion.
We do not tolerate harassment, bullying, or assault of participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any venue, including talks. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the organisers, or authorities may be contacted.
The definitions of harassment extend to all patrons, performers, media practitioners, exhibitors, contractors, workers & volunteers, venue staff, and celebrity guests. Harassment from or towards anyone, anywhere, is not acceptable.
Definition of Harassment
Harassment / Bullying includes, but is not limited to:
- offensive verbal or written comments or profanity
- audible or visual threats or blackmail
- deliberate intimidation, stalking, following (whether in person or online)
- harassing / inappropriate photography or recording
- sustained disruption of talks or other events, or disturbance to the detriment of others
- inappropriate physical contact, or contact that causes pain or injury
- unwelcome sexual attention
- sexual images or displays in public spaces
- making someone fearful through certain behaviours
- assault of a physical nature
- slander and/or unsubstantiated claims
It is up to everyone to be conscious of the behaviours of others, and call out those who are behaving inappropriately. What may be cool to your friends, may not be cool to those around you, so be aware of your surroundings and the feelings and opinions of others.
Consequences of Behaviour
Supanova / Venue Security 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. One warning only will be given. Supanova will expel offenders who repeatedly violate these policies; organisers may also notify local law enforcement authorities.
All recorded details of the incident gathered for its 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.
Reporting Harassment
If you are being harassed or bullied please contact a member of staff immediately, or go to the Information Desk for help. Staff can be identified by Supanova-branded collared shirts, and are often wearing radio headsets. If uncertain, a Supanova volunteer (identifiable by their brightly-coloured volunteer t-shirts and name badges) will provide directions, or take you to the nearest staff member.
If you wish to make a report, staff will record all relevant details, including witness statements, in an Incident Report Form, and further assist participants to contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel supported for the duration of the event.
If you witness harassment or bullying, contact Staff or Security, and do not engage directly. Take note of the culprit’s appearance and any other information, such as what time and location the incident occurred, 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.
Supanova discourages individuals from taking any personal physical action against someone they have witnessed engaging in harassing or bullying behaviour, or whom they suspect to be a culprit of such behaviour.
We expect all patrons and participants to follow this Anti-Harassment Code of Conduct at all Supanova venues and related events.
