What to do if Assaulted?
What to do if you believe you have been assaulted by a sexual predator?
One of the biggest problems I have seen occur in this community is that people wait weeks, months or even years to mention an incident that have occurred to them.
Most Minor incidents can be handled without resorting to outside Authorities. These outside authorities in minor incidents should only be contacted as a last resort. For major incidents then it is my opinion they should be contacted.
Many Festival, Event and Group have complained that people wait until an event is over before they report an incident. It’s is hard for Fest Security to deal with a situation after an event as ended.
If you do not feel comfortable in a situation then leave the area. No ONE can force you to do anything you feel is not right. If you feel that you should not do something then refuse to do it. Sometimes it is as easy as saying NO!!!
As a Victim it is important that you…
- If safe to do so tell the individual to cease and desist in other words NO!!!.
- immediately Report the incident as soon as possible to either the event organizers, security or other people in charge.
- Record on paper the incident and all the facts you can remember. The memory tends to fail us as time elapses between the incident and our reporting time. These notes may be useful in any future proceedings.
- Contact Outside Authorities for Major incidents if you feel that your complaint as not been handled with in a proper or timely fashion.
- Vote with your pocket book and do not go to these sponsored events.
At Festivals & Gatherings
by Pagan Owl
Most Festivals Security are well equipped to deal with situations as soon as possible. I have plenty of confidence in my event security and that of many other festivals.
As a Victim it is important that you…
- If safe to do so tell the individual to cease and desist in other words NO!!!
- immediately Report the incident as soon as possible to either the event organizers, security or other people in charge.
- Record on paper the incident and all the facts you can remember. The memory tends to fail us as time elapses between the incident and our reporting time. These notes may be useful in any future proceedings.
- Contact Outside Authorities if you feel that your complaint as not been handled in a proper or timely fashion.
At Community Events sponsored by an organized group
By Pagan Owl
In this case either a group or individual is responsible for the event. Contact the group and/or individual that is/are running the Community Activity. Most organizers will deal in a timely manner to your complaint.
As a Victim it is important that you…
- If safe to do so tell the individual to cease and desist in other words NO!!!
- immediately Report the incident as soon as possible to either the event organizers, security or other people in charge.
- Record on paper the incident and all the facts you can remember. The memory tends to fail us as time elapses between the incident and our reporting time. These notes may be useful in any future proceedings.
- Contact Outside Authorities if you feel that your complaint as not been handled in a proper or timely fashion.
At Community Events NOT sponsored by an organized group
By Pagan Owl
There are some public events that start off with a few people gathering together and grow with the need of the Communities.
The Ottawa Pagan Sunday Brunch is somewhat like that. It started off as an organized event with people in charge. Now it is a gathering of Pagans with no individual or groups in charge.
Do not get me wrong I consider the Sunday Brunch one of the friendliest and safe places for people to be. Because these events are public you should never have major incidents occurring.
In a case that there is no group or individual in charge of the group and you feel harassed then there are a few things you can do.
As a Victim it is important that you…
- Find people you like and trust and share your feelings with them. As friends you can support each other and surround yourself with them They can be a barrier between you and the Predator.
- If there is no individual you feel comfortable with at this public event then I suggest you vote with your pocket book and Stop Attending.
- Create a group of friends you feel comfortable hanging out with. You can have your own brunch etc. with people you trust and feel comfortable with.
- If an incident occurred when arriving or leaving from an event and there are no one in Charge you can turn to then Contact Outside Authorities if you feel that the individual as refuses to cease and desist.
Within Coven
By Pagan Owl
Now this is a touchy matter. I am definitely not an expert when it comes to Covens. If you are an expert on Covens then please correct me if I am wrong. I understand that some rituals etc. should remain secret. These however should be completely explained to those attending your Coven before they participate in them. This will ensure no situation occur and there is no misunderstanding.
Many of the Covens are connected together under a Tradition. If you feel that you are the Victim of Sexual Abuse within your Coven then I suggest you approach you HP/HPs concerning the incident. Most of them are well equipped to deal with the situation.
If your HP/HPs refuse to deal with the situation or they are the Predator then I suggest you do the following…
- Leave the group as this is not a safe place for you to be. (there are other groups to choose from)
- Go above them to either their teachers or to the Main Organization and state your complaint.
- If this is not dealt with in a timely fashion or to your satisfaction then I suggest you contact the Authorities.
Within School (College or Universities etc.)
By Karen
We encourage the victim to contact the School Authorities - if not the Police - an Administrator if the abuse takes place under the auspices of a school or university.
As a Victim it is important that you…
- If safe to do so tell the individual to cease and desist in other words NO!!!
- immediately Report the incident as soon as possible to either the School Authorities, security or other people in charge.
- Record on paper the incident and all the facts you can remember. The memory tends to fail us as time elapses between the incident and our reporting time. These notes may be useful in any future proceedings.
- Contact Outside Authorities if you feel the need to or that your complaint as not been handled in a proper or timely fashion.
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