Sexual Harassment Policy

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Need help now?

  • Call 1800 424 017 for the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline.
  • Call 000 for fire services, an ambulance, or the police.
  • Speak to a volunteer wearing a yellow volunteer badge at the event.
  • Speak to someone at our registration table at the event.

Our approach to safety

We are serious about jazz, but we're also serious about safety.

Our sexual harassment policy

Good signs

  • Consent!
    What does consent look and sound like? We use our words! "Yes please!" "I'd love that."
  • Enthusiastic consent!
    Wait for more than just "Maybe". You want enthusiasm: “YES! I’d LOVE to dance with you!” “I’d love to go for a walk!” “Wow, kissing you would be WONDERFUL!”
  • Happy, consensual dances (no matter how close the position) are AOk.
  • Hooking up at a dance event with a consenting adult is also totally AOk.
  • Pay attention to your dance partners.
    Be careful not to touch their ‘private’ zones (breasts, bottom, groin), and take all care to avoid hurting them. Like Frankie said, they are the queen of the world (no matter their gender, or whether they're leading or following).
  • Practice saying “No,” and practice saying “STOP!”
  • Practice responding to a "No" or a "Stop".
    Someone gave you a No? No big deal! Say "No problem," then move away to get a drink, ask someone else to dance, or take a breath of fresh air.

What is sexual harassment?

Harassment is unwanted or unwelcome behaviour (sexual or otherwise) which makes a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated.

Sexual harassment can be obvious or indirect, physical or verbal, repeated or one-off, and perpetrated by people of any gender against other people of any gender.

If you aren’t sure, if you think it’s creepy or makes you feel uncomfortable and you want a second opinion, if you see something and you’ve got a hunch ASK for advice.

The Australian Human Rights Commission defines sexual harassment as including:

  • Staring or leering.
  • Unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against you, or unwelcome touching.
  • Suggestive comments or jokes.
  • Insults or taunts of a sexual nature.
  • Intrusive questions or statements about your private life eg "Do you have a boyfriend? Where is he?"
  • Displaying posters or magazines, or showing people pictures on your phone that are of a sexual nature.
  • Sending sexually explicit emails, messages, or texts.
  • Inappropriate advances on social media eg messaging someone dozens of times within a minute; sending sexualised messages; asking for photos or sending photos.
  • Accessing sexually explicit internet sites.
  • Requests for sex or repeated unwanted requests to go out on dates.
  • Behaviour that may be considered an offence under criminal law, such as physical assault, indecent exposure, sexual assault, stalking, or obscene communications.

How does this relate to dancing?

Sexual harassment is a type of sexual discrimination. It's illegal in Australian workplaces, in the provision of employment, education, or accommodation. That includes social dances and dance classes.

  • If someone says they don’t want to dance, and you insist, touching them and pulling them, it's sexual harassment.
  • If you hold a dance partner very close when they don’t want to be held, that's sexual harassment.
  • Don't touch your partner's bottom, groin, upper legs, breasts, genitals - you know the deal. If you accidentally do so, apologise immediately. If you do this more than once, you will be warned, or told to leave the event.

Sexual harassment is not consensual interaction, flirtation, or friendship.
If you aren't sure, ask!

'Being socially awkward' is not an excuse. If you're not sure or feel awkward, ask for advice or clarification. You can ask:

We have a legal and moral obligation to actively prevent sexual harassment.

We WILL act immediately on your reports, and we will warn offenders or ask them to leave.

How do I avoid sexually harassing someone?

  • Ask for verbal consent: “Would you like to dance?” “Would you like a drink?” “Would you like to take a walk?” “Would you like to come back to my place?” “Would you like to have excellent, consensual sex with me?”
  • Aim for enthusiastic consent.
  • Use your words. Even if you’ve been given consent before, ask every time.
  • Be ok with people saying no. “No thank you” is all the answer they need to give.
  • A no is a no. Don't try to convince someone to accept a drink, a dance, a kiss, a hug, or a ride home.
  • Stop immediately if someone says “Stop!” on or off the dance floor.

Alcohol Policy

  • Some of our venues are licensed. Please respect this and do not bring your own alcohol.
  • If you are drinking, please do not drive - we will call you a cab or arrange a ride for you.
  • The legal drinking age in NSW is 18. Supplying alcohol to a minor is illegal, and often plays a role in harassment and assault. It will not be tolerated, and will have you immediately expelled from our venues.

Illegal substances and items policy

  • Attendees are not to bring illegal substances or items to any of our events. This includes illicit drugs and weapons of any sort. Please familiarise yourself with the relevant New South Wales laws if you are from interstate or overseas.