Wolves of Amarok recognizes the importance of online safety and understands that everyone experiences conflict from time to time. There may be times peers disagree and may not be able to solve their own problems, they may get frustrated and say mean things, or even react physically. We have provided our members with this harassment policy, in order to help minimize conflicts, and have provided a chain of command for those who struggle with resolving issues throughout their time in our community. That being said, we do not tolerate ANY form of harassment of our members in any situation. Those caught in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action(s) including, but not limited to a permanent removal from Wolves of Amarok. Harassment is defined as a cruel act of usually on-going torment that is meant to annoy, threaten, or intimidate another individual to fear for their safety. It is governed by law state to state, and country to country. No person shall, without lawful authority and knowing that another person is harassed or recklessly as to whether the other person is harassed, engage in conduct that causes that person reasonably, in all circumstances, to fear for their safety, or anyone known to them. Additionally, those in violation of this policy may even face criminal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law, should the situation provide for it.
Harassment:
An intentional behaviour by one or more individuals that is disturbing or threatening another person, or group of people. Intentional behaviours that characterize harassment include, but are not limited to: stalking, hazing, social exclusion, name calling, unwanted physical contact. As well, it may present itself as unwelcome verbal or written comments, photographs, and graphics. Harassment may be related to race, religious orientation, sexual orientation, cultural background, economic status, size or personal appearance. It can also be behaviours that are direct or indirect and by the use of social media. This behaviour violates Wolves of Amarok’s code of conduct, and any situation that presents itself in the form of harassment will be taken very seriously. If a member violates this policy leadership will review the situations on a case by case basis and determine the appropriate disciplinary measures to take. Harassment is NOT taken lightly, and a member could face up to, but not limited to a permanent removal from the community, if they are found to severely be disrespecting another member of Wolves of Amarok.
Intimidation:
An intentional behaviour by one or more individuals that place another person or group of people in fear of harm to themselves, or their property. Intimidation can be manifested emotionally or physically, either directly or indirectly, and through the use of social media. Anyone who believes that this form of harassment, bullying, or hazing has occurred should report the behaviours to their superiors so that the issue can be handled immediately. If it is the superiors in violation of this policy, the victim may use our “open door policy” to report the behaviours of their leaders. Leaders caught in violation of this policy, will be subject to disciplinary action(s) including, but not limited to a blacklist from Wolves of Amarok. Intentional intimidation is NOT okay, and will not be tolerated.
Defamation of Character:
Defamation is typically defined as a false statement that someone makes about you, that they publish as a statement of fact, which harms your personal, and/or professional reputation, or causes you other damages such as emotional distress. It is a form of bullying that occurs over time when negative actions from one or more people are seeking power or control that is meant to hurt another person, and may constitute a violation of law. Additionally, if the false statement is found to be true, no matter how unflattering it may be, it is still a violation to defamation, and will still be a defense of charge of slander. This type of harassment is not welcome in Wolves of Amarok, and is taken very seriously and those in violation will face disciplinary action(s) such as a Rank Suspension, membership revoke, or a permanent removal from the community.
Two types of defamation are as follows;
LIBEL: Written or printed communication of false statements through messages, pictures, or any spoken word or gestures.
SLANDER: Verbal communication of false statements that are harmful to a person's reputation. It is a verbal act of communication that causes another person to feel ashamed, ridiculed, held in contempt, or feeling belittled. The basic elements of a claim of slander include, publishing false statements to third parties, defamatory statements, and where the speaker or publisher knew or should have known the statement(s) was false.
Sexual Harassment:
An unwelcome sexual behaviour that's offensive, humiliating, or intimidating. It can be verbal or physical, and can happen in person and online. It can happen at school, work, and in online gaming environments to both men and women. Sexual hassment can include, but not limitted to, someone: touching, grabbing or making other physical contact with you without consent, making comments to you that have a sexual meaning, asking for sex or sexual favours, leering and staring at you, displaying rude and offensive material for you or others to see, cracking sexual jokes and comments around you, questioning you about your sex life, insulting you with sexual comments, or committing a criminal offence against you, such as making obscene phone calls, indecently exposing themselves or sexually assaulting you. If someone is sexually harassing you in a way that causes you to feel humiliation, pain, fear, or intimidation, than this can be considered sexual assault. If you believe you have been sexually assaulted you may want to find out what this means and the support options available to you. No one deserves, or asks to be sexully harassed and everyone has the right to feel safe and equally respected in the Wolves of Amarok gaming enviornment that is free from harassment, bullying, discrimination, and violence. This type of harassment can negatively affect an individual by making them feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. They may withdraw from social situations, lose their confidence and self-esteem, have physical symptoms of stress such as a headache, backaches, or sleep problems, and be less productive and unable to concentrate. Sexual Harassment is illegal under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and anyone in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action(s) including, but not limited to the ciminal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. Wolves of Amarok does not tolerate ANY form of sexual harassment whether intentional or not for the purpose of, or effect of, creating a gaming enviornment that is hostile, offence, or coercive. If a sexual harassment claim has been made, both parties will be rank suspended for the duration of the investigation. All members are required to report any sexual harassment to their superiors, and may use the open door policy for cases of concern under this policy. Those who have been found to violate this policy after the investigation process will be permanently removed from Wolves of Amarok, and may face legal action, if the situation provides for it.
Suicide Response Policy:
Suicide threat: is a statement of intent to commit suicide that is accompanied by behaviour changes indicative of suicidal tendencies.
Legal Well-Being Disclaimer: Wolves of Amarok renounces and prohibits any of its members from participating in any action(s) relating to the responsibility for the well-being of another members medical, emotional, physical, mental or otherwise, condition or state of mind. Suicide is VERY serious and NEEDS to be handled by a medical professional. Those who are not qualified to handle such situations are by law required not to offer any forms of advice. Wolves of Amarok is not responsible for the unsanctioned action(s) of its members.
Suicide Hotlines & Counceling Options:
International Suicide & Emergency Hotlines
(https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines)No Matter what problems you are dealing with, whether or not your thinking about suicide, if you need somone to lean on for emotional support, call the lifelines provided above. People call to talk about lots of things; substance abuse, relationships, sexual identity, abuse, depression, and loneliness, to name a few. Talking to someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life.
**FOR OUR FULL CRISIS RESPONSE PROCEDURES PLEASE REFER TO OUR HANDBOOK PROVIDED TO OUR MEMBERS THROUGH OUR DISCORD CHANNEL**
Wolves of Amarok strives to provide a safe, and welcoming environment to all individuals who are a part of our community. It is our vision to have a gaming community full of support, and reassurance where people can make friends, and feel they can trust the members around them. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our community, and prohibit action(s) that may make an individual feel unwelcome, or uncomfortable within our gaming community. Those who decide that they want to violate this policy, will be asked to terminate their membership, and will not be welcome to return. Harassment of any kind can be serious enough to include criminal investigation, and Wolves of Amarok takes any type of harassment VERY seriously. Anyone that violates the above policies and procedures will be subject to disciplinary action(s) up to and including a permanent blacklist, and criminal investigation if the situation is determined severe enough.