We are committed to fostering a healthy, respectful, and thriving rope community. We believe that every person in our space–whether a presenter, facilitator, volunteer, or attendee–is responsible for upholding our shared values and our code of conduct. We strive to nurture a rope community built on care, communication, and integrity, supporting individual and collective growth through accountability and respect. 

One of our goals is to create a supportive environment for everyone who steps into the studio. This means actively practicing risk-awareness, honoring clear and ongoing consent, and maintaining a culture where feedback, accountability, and care are the norm.

When to Use This Process

You can submit a report if you have:

• Experienced harm

• Witnessed unsafe or non-consensual behavior

• Observed a violation of our code of conduct, consent agreements, or safety rules

• Heard of conduct that could impact the safety or integrity of our community or space

We define harm as any break in connection and trust that can cause physical injury, emotional trauma, mental distress, relational conflict, or legal consequences.

In regard to third party reports, we welcome reports from people who have witnessed or become aware of concerning behavior, as they can help us identify patterns and address potential risks. However, we may have limited ability to take action, and our focus remains on safety and harm prevention. We may not be able to resolve every concern raised by a third party. Reports should be based on observed behavior or direct statements, not assumptions, speculations, or personal disputes. 

How to Make a Report

• Speak to Violet or Veers at an event

• Respond to the feedback form for the BLRS event where the incident occurred.

• Submit a report to Community Safety & Incident Report Form (anonymous option available)

• Email us directly at boundlarkrs@gmail.com

We encourage reports whether an incident happened during a Bound Lark event, online, or elsewhere, if it affects the safety and trust of our community.

What Happens After You Submit

1. Receipt & Logging: Your report is received by Bound Lark and recorded in our secure, confidential system.

2. Initial Acknowledgment: If you provide contact information, we will reach out within 3 days to confirm we’ve received your report and to ask clarifying questions if needed.

3. Assessment: We review the report through the lens of our consent framework, code of conduct, and community guidelines. We may look for patterns of behavior, gather relevant information, and speak to trusted sources when appropriate.

4. Follow-Up Actions: Actions may or may not include:

• Direct conversation with the person involved

• Recommended coaching, education, or mediation

• Written warnings

• Temporary limitations on participation

• Taking no immediate action but keeping the report on file to identify patterns over time.

5. Closing the Loop: If you’ve requested updates, we will share the outcome as much as privacy allows.

Deciding How to Voice Concerns

If you are thinking about how to communicate your experience, we want you to have resources that help you think through your options and support your well-being. Sharing concerns can be complicated and personal, and there is no single right way to approach it. 

The resource below offers guidance for clarifying your goals, preparing for different kinds of disclosure, and identifying what support you may need: Ember's Guide to Speaking Up: A Survivor-Centered Guide to Disclosing Consent Violations

This resource is optional and offered to help you reflect on what feels right for you. 

Non-Retaliation Policy

No one will be penalized, excluded, or treated differently for submitting a report, expressing a concern, or participating in a review process in good faith.

Retaliation of any kind–including intimidation, gossip, exclusion, or negative treatment toward anyone in a report–is not tolerated within our community.

If you experience or witness retaliation, please contact the organizing team or submit a follow-up report so we can address it promptly. If retaliation occurs, it will be treated as a separate incident and addressed through the same safety and accountability framework

We also recognize that it can take courage to come forward and we deeply value the trust it takes to share concerns. Every report, no matter how small, helps protect the care and integrity of our community. 

Our Approach to Accountability

Our process is not about punishment, but about:

• Supporting those who have been harmed

• Holding individuals accountable for their actions

• Encouraging growth and restoration when possible

We recognize that power imbalances, especially for presenters and educators, require special care. Our vetting process for presenters includes:

• Checking for any known history of violations

• Verifying reports through trusted community networks

• Speaking directly to those involved, when they consent

• Contacting venues, studios, and students who have worked with the presenter

If a history of harm is identified, we assess whether the person has completed or is willing to engage in an honest, corrective accountability process before participating in Bound Lark events. More details on our vetting process for presenters can be found here. 

Confidentiality

Your identity will not be shared without your consent unless there is an imminent risk of serious harm. Anonymous reports are always welcome, though they may limit the actions we are able to take. All information is handled privately and only by those directly involved in addressing the concern.

How We Decide on an Outcome

When reviewing a report, we consider factors such as:

• Seriousness: The level of harm caused, including physical injury, medical care, or significant emotional impact.

• Intent: Whether the behavior was deliberate, coercive, or manipulative versus accidental or due to a misunderstanding.

• Patterns: Whether there are similar past reports or multiple concerns about the same person.

• External Records: Submitted official documentation.

• Accountability: Whether the person accepts responsibility and engages in a genuine accountability process.

These factors guide us in assessing risk, the potential for restoration, and the most appropriate response.

Accountability and Outcomes

Each situation is unique, and not all possible outcomes can be listed here. Our approach is rooted in ongoing accountability rather than one-time consequences. Depending on the circumstances, we may recommend a range of responses. These may include corrective actions such as education, verbal warnings, and written warnings; moderate interventions like mediation, probation, restrictions on participation, or temporary pauses in involvement; or, in rare cases, major actions such as prolonged limitations on participation, or notifying other trusted community organizers if needed. In some cases, no immediate action may be taken, but the report will be documented and monitored for patterns of behavior over time. 

Our Commitment

Submitting a report does not guarantee a specific outcome, but every report is taken seriously and reviewed in alignment with our values of transparency, safety, and accountability. Your willingness to speak up helps protect our community and keep Bound Lark a place for respectful, intentional, and safe exploration of rope.

For any questions about our consent policy, safety, or vetting process, please email boundlarkrs@gmail.com.

Last updated: December 8, 2025