BSides Cape Town is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and / or birth. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organisers.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Verbal comments that demean or discriminate for any reason.
  • Displaying 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 behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, event organisers 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 the conference 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 event venues and event-related social activities.

Reporting

If someone threatens or harrases you or anyone else, please report it as soon as possible. Conference staff can be identified by their bright red t-shirts with the word STAFF on them. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want everyone to be happy at our event.

Anonymous Report

You can make an anonymous report here:

Fill out my online form.

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 red STAFF shirts.
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.

Organisers: code@bsidescapetown.co.za

South African Police Service: 10 111

Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust: 021 447-9762

Groote Schuur Hospital: 021 404 9111

Excite Taxis: 021 448 4444