Code of Conduct
This code of conduct outlines our expectations for all participants' behavior at or related to the Conference/s, including - but not limited to - media, sponsors, volunteers, speakers and attendees to all conference venues and any conference-related activity. All attendees at the conference are required to agree with the following code of conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event.
We are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), health and lifestyle choices or technology choices. We expect all attendees to behave accordingly, addressing other participants in an inclusive, mindful and respectful manner.
Due to the sensitive topics that will be discussed during the conference, it is crucial to consider that some of the speakers or participants may have lived experience of stigma and discrimination. Therefore, we invite all sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, media, exhibitors and other participants to help us make the conference a safe and positive experience for everyone.
What to do if you witness or are a victim of unacceptable behavior
If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns during the event, please notify a member of WAS or the ASHM Conference team as soon as possible. All reports will remain completely confidential.
WAS or the ASHM Conference team will be available to assist those experiencing unacceptable behavior to feel safe for the duration of the conference. Please notify René de Klerk as soon as possible following the incident via WhatsApp on +27 82 872 9353 or email at exec@worldsexualhealth.net, if required.
Unacceptable behavior
Unacceptable behavior includes: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning conduct by any attendees of the conference and related events.
Harassment includes: offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
Physical, written, verbal or other abuse, intimidation, threats, annoyance, harassment, stalking, pushing, shoving or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person, which in any way creates a disturbance that is disruptive or dangerous, or creates anxiety in a person.
Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behavior or language, including but not limited to using sexually explicit or offensive language, materials or conduct, or any language, behavior or content that contains profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, gender or religious slurs.
Assembling for the purpose of, or resulting in, disturbing the peace, or committing any unlawful act or engaging in any offensive behavior.
Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the venue and the conference organizers.
Expected behavior
Be considerate and respectful.
Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow attendees.
Alert conference organizers if you experience or notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
Consequences of unacceptable behavior
Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.
Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately.
If a participant continues to engage in unacceptable behavior after being given a warning, the conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the conference without warning or refund. In extreme cases the conference organizers will contact the appropriate authorities.
We acknowledge that the conference is being held the traditional lands of the Jagera and Turrbal people in Meanjin / Brisbane. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' continuing connection to land, water, and community and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. ASHM acknowledges Sovereignty in this country has never been ceded. It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.