ESSA aims at fostering an inclusive, supportive and hassle-free community, where everybody:

• is comfortable and safe;
• feels able to actively contribute, regardless of their seniority or status;
• is not afraid of being put down or insulted for their views;
• feels part of the community, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability or any other characteristic perceived to attach to groups.

Thus, it is committed, through its core and affiliated events, to creating an environment (physical and online) that is free of harassment for everyone involved, including delegates, organisers, conference workers, and reviewers. Some examples of such harassment include:

• inappropriate comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, or religion;
• the use of inappropriate imagery in the conference environment (e.g., the use of sexual imagery in talks or in posters);
• intimidation, stalking, following, unwelcome physical or virtual contact, and unwelcome romantic or sexual attention;
• the use of overly aggressive or intimidating behaviour or language.

All  participants in ESSA events are asked to embrace these standards and norms, and to understand that the ESSA MC will respond appropriately to incidents of harassment if they occur.

If you are the victim of harassment

If you feel you are the victim of harassment at ESSA events, or notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other related concerns, then please immediately contact either:

• Petra Ahrweiler: petra.ahrweiler at uni-mainz.de
• Melania Borit: melania.borit at uit.no
• Émile Chappin: e.j.l.chappin at tudelft.nl
• Harko Verhagen: verhagen at dsv.su.se
• Nanda Wijermans: nanda.wijermans at su.se 

…or any other ESSA management committee member [ link ]

The above named officers are committed to treat any matter raised confidentially, act appropriately and fairly to deal with incidents of harassment, and above all, ensure the personal safety and well-being of all attendees.