Guidelines for safer spaces

These guidelines for safer spaces were created to make the event as safe as possible for all participants.

We understand that it is unlikely, especially in public facilities and events, that all spaces can be made fully safe for everyone. With this in mind, we encourage all the participants to actively create an atmosphere where we prioritise one another’s safety and wellbeing. Let’s look after one another. 

If you experience harassment or any other form of inappropriate treatment at the event, please contact the Y-festivaali’s Safer Space Hosts (see below) or other staff. You can also contact our staff by email ([email protected]) after the event.  

• Respect everyone’s personal space, both physical and mental. You cannot know where another person’s boundaries lie without asking them. Make sure you ask before touching anyone. Listen to others and adapt your behaviour if someone indicates that your behaviour makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Respect everyone, don’t assume things. Don’t make assumptions about other people’s sexuality, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, values, socio-economic background, ability or health. Respect pronouns and names. Be aware of your own privileges. 
• No body discrimination. Don’t comment on another person’s body. Also do not comment on other people’s eating and meal sizes. 
• Respect the opinions, beliefs, experiences and differing viewpoints of others. Don’t mock, ridicule, disparage, sideline or humiliate anyone with your words, behaviour or actions. 
• Assume responsibility for your own actions and behaviour. Remember that your actions affect other people, regardless of your good intentions.
• Give space. Do your best to ensure that everyone gets to participate in discussions. Don’t disregard other people’s opinions; give others the chance to speak. Respect the privacy of others and treat sensitive topics respectfully.
• Intervene in harassment if you witness it, and ask the person who was harassed whether they would like help or support. Don’t just remain an on-looker.

Safer Space Hosts

The Y-festivaali has Safer Space Hosts, who have been trained to maintain the principles of safer spaces and help you if you come across inappropriate behaviour or harassment. You can identify the hosts by their neon-coloured vests.

If you experience harrassment

If you experience inappropriate behaviour or harassment at the event, please report it to the staff. The Safer Space Hosts offer help and support in any case of harassment. The hosts’ job description also includes resolving harassment cases together with security.

If the situation cannot be resolved, the person behaving inappropriately will be removed from the space as discreetly and unnoticeably as possible.