POLICIES, PREVENTION & EDUCATION

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What is Consent?

Consent is a freely and clearly communicated agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. It is verbal and affirmative.

• If someone is too intoxicated or impaired to understand what’s going on, they can’t consent

• If someone is passed out, they can’t consent

• If someone changes their mind once things have gotten started, they do not consent

 

Elements has a zero tolerance policy for harassment, sexual misconduct, and homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist, ableist, or other discriminatory behavior.

 

What is harassment?

Harassment encompasses actions which annoy, threaten, intimidate, alarm, or put a person in fear for their safety. This includes but is not limited to: stalking, physical assault and / or battery, unwelcome physical conduct, and verbal abuse like the use of racial, ethnic, and gender-based slurs.

 

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is a broad term that includes many types of unwelcome verbal and physical sexual attention, it includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

 

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim, this includes attempted rape, rape, fondling or unwanted sexual touch, and intimidating, coercing, manipulating, or forcing a victim to perform sexual acts. 

If any person at the festival experiences any of the above behavior, or if someone is making them feel unsafe, be it an event attendee, staff member, or artist, the Consent Team is ready to support.

 

I FEEL UNSAFE. WHAT NEXT?

Connect with Our Consent Team

The Elements Festival will be staffed by a Human Resources Director, a Consent Manager, Consent Leads, and roaming Elemental Advocates  who will be easily recognizable by their glowing arm bands. Our Consent Team is trained in trauma-informed responses to support individuals who have experienced misconduct and will be onsite 24/7 to assist and support you. 

 

Our Consent Program is survivor-centered. This means that when you come to us, we will believe you and take your report seriously. It also means that you'll have the power and agency to decide what happens next, unless we are mandated to take action (see Mandatory Reporting Requirements below for details on these situations).

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WHAT WILL CONNECTING WITH THE CONSENT TEAM BE LIKE?

First, we’re going to check in on your immediate safety. If you aren’t feeling safe at the moment, we’ll work with you to get to a safe space, this may include visiting The Sanctuary if that’s what feels best to you.  

 

Next, we’ll ask you what’s going on so that we can figure out how to best help. Once we have an idea of the kind of support you need, we’ll discuss options for meeting these needs. These options include:

• Welcoming you to The Sanctuary 

• Linking you up with our Harm Reduction Team

• Connecting you to resources like local and national sexual assault hotlines who are available for continued emotional support and connection to off-site services

• Support you in reporting to law enforcement or getting a medical examination with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

 

What if I can’t really remember what happened?

Our priority is your safety and wellness. It’s okay if you can’t remember some or a lot of what happened. In fact, it’s very common to have blocked, unclear, and non-linear memories of a traumatic event. It doesn’t matter if you were intoxicated or said ‘yes’ then changed your mind. Violence and abuse is never okay, and it is never the victim's fault. 

 

Visit the Elements Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a safe space that is available 24/7 to all who need it. It’s a relaxed environment for you to take a breather, process, and learn about options for further support. You can identify the Sanctuary on the event map!

You are welcome to stop by on your own or find an Elemental Ambassador to walk you there. 

 

Who is allowed in?

The Sanctuary is open to all who need a safe space. This includes anyone who has experienced harassment, sexual assault, discrmination or is just feeling unsafe because of another person. You are welcome to bring a safe friend to join you in the tent. Offenders of our consent policy are not allowed in The Sanctuary. 

 

How long can I stay?

You can stay in the Sanctuary tent for as long as you need. If you’re ready to leave, but aren’t sure where your friends are, let someone on our team know, and we can help you find them. 

 

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE INFORMATION I SHARE?

Our Consent Team will not ask you for any more information than is necessary to get you the support you need. 

 

For the purpose of ensuring the continued improvement of our program and to better assess the needs of our community, we will collect basic, non-identifying information about you and the situation. This includes your gender, the gender of the offender, location of the incident, and the category of Consent Policy violation (e.g. harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault). 

 

If you wish for on-going support, we may ask for your name and contact information so we can assist in whatever way is ideal for you. 

 

MANDATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

While survivor agency is a priority, we are obligated to take action in the following circumstances:

• You share information about a person under the age of 18 years old who is unsafe, experiencing harm, or otherwise endangered

• You indicate you are a threat to yourself or others

• You share information that indicates another person is a threat to themselves or others 

 

The action we take will depend on the situation and may include reporting to local authorities.

 

If you have questions about our Consent Program or would like to learn more, please contact us at consent@elementsfest.us