Updated 01/24/2024
Boston H3 Policy on Sexual Misconduct: Overview
We encourage hashers to report any instances of sexual misconduct or problematic behavior, no
matter how minor, to a SASS committee member, a GM, or an RA. Being informed about sexual
misconduct allows hash leadership to identify and address it. A prior documented pattern of
problematic behavior is also informative when a more serious allegation is made against
someone.
Limitations
We take every allegation of sexual misconduct seriously and will investigate all incidents in
an attempt to gain a full perspective of what occurred. In clearcut cases, the investigation
may be very short, allowing long-term actions to be implemented quickly. However, time is
sometimes required to investigate and make an informed decision. We cannot promise to
immediately remove an alleged perpetrator from the hash in all cases. As a volunteer-led
running club, we do not have the resources of a police department or the authority of the
legal system. Therefore, our ability to substantiate allegations and hold perpetrators
accountable is limited. Our policy aims to balance the protection of our community with the
due process our community members deserve. We recognize that, in cases in which there is
insufficient evidence to justifiably ban members of our community. the consequences
administered may not be commensurate with the seriousness of alleged offenses. More serious
consequences are administered when an alleged perpetrator has substantiated or multiple
allegations against them.
We encourage survivors to seek redress through the legal system for criminal sexual acts.
Response Protocols
Immediate Accommodations for Survivors
At the survivor's request, we can
- Listen without judgment
- Maintain confidentiality
- Provide a trusted “buddy” for the next trail or event
- Change crash space assignments, if relevant
- Refund rego for upcoming events if the survivor opts not to attend
- Provide information about local support resources
After Investigating: Accommodations for Survivors
At the survivor's request, we can
- Provide a trusted “buddy” during trails or events
- Instruct the alleged perpetrator not to interact with the survivor
- Coordinate with the survivor and alleged perpetrator to create a schedule whereby they will not attend the same trails
- Support a survivor's decision to step down from Misman duties
- Help the survivor to file a restraining order or enforce an existing restraining order
Immediate Responses to Alleged Perpetrators
We will automatically place the alleged perpetrator on temporary probation and monitor their behavior
until the end of the hash's investigation. At the GMs' discretion and/or survivor's request, we
may also
- Instruct the alleged perpetrator not to interact with the survivor
- Implement behavioral restrictions such as limiting alcohol consumption
After Investigating: Responses to Alleged Perpetrators
At the GMs' discretion, we may use the following options:
- 3-Month Probation: minimum consequence for a serious allegation, regardless of substantiation
- Voluntary Leave of Absence: for an unsubstantiated allegation, the alleged perpetrator may be asked to give the survivor space by voluntarily not hashing for a period of time
- Suspension of up to a year: for a substantiated allegation (at the GMs' discretion; banning is also an option)
- Indefinite ban: for a substantiated allegation; for a serious allegation + a documented pattern of problem behavior; for 2+ independent serious allegations; or when a hasher has been banned by another kennel with reasonable justification
Boston H3 Community Guidelines
Guidelines for Consent
New hashers are entering an environment with unfamiliar norms that include more alcohol and more overt sexual references than most social groups. This creates a power imbalance in which established hashers understand the sexual boundaries and norms, while newer hashers are still trying to figure these out. Therefore, while an explicit “yes” is important and required, it is not always sufficient for maintaining the kind of safe environment we wish for the hash to be. Here are some general guidelines for consent in the hash:- Be aware of power dynamics (e.g. named hasher/just; established/newer in the Boston Hash; older/younger; male/female; higher/lower socioeconomic status). When interacting across a power dynamic, be more purposeful about consent and aware of factors that may affect consent.
- Be cautious about propositioning newer hashers for dates or sexual encounters. Newer hashers are often looking to make friends and join a community; invite them to group social events rather than private ones.
- Recognize that consent may be given to one individual but not another. Just because it's okay for one person to do something doesn't mean you get to do it.
- Seek explicit consent before making physical contact with anyone with whom you don't have a physical relationship with outside the hash.
- Show respect at body part checks. Respect people's decision to show body parts or not, and cheer enthusiastically if body parts are shown.
- Consider the level of intoxication of anyone from whom you are seeking consent. If someone who is drunk says “yes” to something to which they previously said “no,” that may not be consent.
- Recognize that consent can be revoked at any time for any reason. “No” always means “no.”
- Ask questions to clarify whether consent is enthusiastic, especially in situations where another person might consent due to power dynamics or intoxication. In addition to basic consent questions (“Can I kiss you?”) ask what the other person wants or likes (“Do you like holding hands?” “How were you hoping tonight would end up?” “Was it okay that I started that spank tunnel?”)
Bystander Responsibilities
- Check in with your friends - and all hashers are your friends. When they're drunk, make sure they're making decisions their sober selves would support.
- Check your friends - and all hashers are your friends. If it looks like they're making someone uncomfortable, mention it. If you're concerned about a pattern of behavior, point it out. If their attempts at flirting look creepy to you, let them know. Let's stop problems before they happen.
- Call out problematic behavior when you see it. If people don't know their behavior is a problem, they won't change it.
- Intervene if you're concerned. Check in with the people involved, interject yourself into the situation and change the subject, or engage either person involved in a different conversation or task. Delegate the intervention to friends of the people involved if you don't feel comfortable intervening yourself.
- Report your concerns to a SASS representative, GM, or RA. It is helpful for the hash to have concrete and specific information about problematic behavior so that we can address it.
Contact
- Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) Chairs 2023-2024: Mudslut and Sketchy Ho (bostonhashsass@gmail.com)
- GMs 2023-2024: Mudslut and Beeeestiality B4 Boys (bostonhash@gmail.com)
- RAs 2023-2024: Chunderellie Chunderellie, Orgasm Famine, Strap On Strap Off, Testicular Mechanics
Find the full policy here