welfare

We’re here to have fun and let our hair down but we take your safety very seriously. Please read and absorb the following before purchasing a ticket.

earworm safe space agreement

Earworm operates a zero-tolerance attitude to sexual harassment and violence, as well as all forms of discrimination including racism, ableism, sexism, xenophobia and antisemitism. If you witness, experience, or are told about something that you’re not comfortable with, please report it to an Earworm Core Staff member (Pete, Costas, Livia, Jamie or Zephyr).

We want to practice collective responsibility for the safety of all attendees. Please be an active bystander when you go out.

what happens when we receive a report?

  • We will find a quiet space to sit and discuss the incident in confidence.
  • Each report is handled on a case by case basis, and may result in the accused being asked to leave the festival if deemed necessary for the continued wellbeing of the festival goer(s).

1.1 what counts as sexual harassment?

  • Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexually charged staring, touching, or advances.

1.2 on being a sex pest

  • Sometimes we are horny, and sometimes we misread signals. You might recognise yourself as being in this position if you’ve asked someone if they’d like to kiss, fondle your genitals, or have sex with you, and are not met with a resounding ‘YES PLEASE!’. 
  • If, upon first suggestion, you are not met with a resounding, ‘YES PLEASE!’, you have used up your one strike at mistakenly asking someone if they’re down to get down. 
  • Do not ask any more times. If that person wants to touch you they will make it clear.
  • If you’ve honestly and embarrassingly found yourself in this position, it’s likely you’ll be mortified. If you find that your response is that of anger, that you’re using accusatory language and/or telling them that they have led you on, you are being a sex pest and have officially found yourself in the sexual harassment category, in which case you’ll be asked to leave the festival.

1.3 on being intoxicated and consent

  • Are you worried about achieving consent while the person you want do naughty things with is intoxicated? Let us help…
  • Have either party suggested they don’t really want to do naughty things? 

Easy! The answer is no. The tea analogy is an oldie but a goldie.

  • Have either party suggested that they may want to do naughty things? Is it hard to tell?

The key here is figuring out if you or they are intoxicated or incapacitated.

  • Consent can’t be given by someone who is incapacitated, ever.

Some signs of intoxication include: Slurred speech, stumbling while walking, exaggerated emotions. Some signs of incapacitation include: Inability to speak coherently, confusion of basic facts, inability to walk unassisted, passing out.

  • If you are not sure whether someone is intoxicated or incapacitated and are concerned that the consent they are giving may not be freely informed, go find a member of the core team. We’ll do a quick check in and make sure everyone’s good to go.

What to do if you’re unsure…

  • Check in, check again, check one more time. If the person you want to do naughty things with is intoxicated and has given consent, there’s no harm in double checking. 
  • Saying things like, ‘Are you sure?’ and ‘Is this okay?’ is a good way of covering all bases. Even if they aren’t intoxicated, it’s always nice to reaffirm interest.
  • Remember that sexual engagement is a mutual activity that requires active and ongoing participation from both or all parties involved.
  • You are responsible for ensuring consent is clear and unambiguous at all times, and remembering that it can be withdrawn at any time.
  • If you’re not sure, or if you think they are into you but that they are incapacitated, know that this is a multi-day festival with many opportunities to gauge the vibe. Wait it out. If they want you, they will make it known the next day!

1.4 how are we going to use this protocol?

  • This protocol is here to help us make those difficult decisions.
  • If we get a report that someone has been sexually harassed, this protocol is basis enough to ask the accused to leave the festival if they haven’t followed the steps above.
  • If that happens to you, know that our asking you to leave the festival is not us telling you we think you are a rapist.
  • If we tell you to leave the festival, it’s because we can’t take any chance that the report is inaccurate and don’t want to further risk anyone’s wellbeing.
  • We are not ejecting you from a friendship group and we will not share any details of the report with anyone other than the core team.

2.1 what counts as racist, sexist, ableist, antisemitic or xenophobic behavior?

  • Unacceptable behavior ranges from overt derogatory language to more subtle forms of racism and microaggressions.
  • Never forget, someone else’s culture/ethnicity/race/religion is NOT a costume! (For example: Any non-native American sporting a native headdress will be asked to take it off).

This is a private, non-commercial event on private land celebrating music, food, art and friendship. We are not-for-profit – all proceeds cover event costs and paying artists. We are not a commercial entity and do not assume liability beyond that required by law for private events. Attendees participate at their own risk.