Training modules/Keeping events safe/slides/dealing-with-invalid-or-malicious-reports

During the event: Dealing with invalid or malicious reports

Sometimes people may make a report to get attention or may report something that turns out to be a non-issue. Other times, reports may be intended to intimidate another attendee. Here are some tips that may help you recognize invalid reports:

• Stay informed. You are not expected to know the background behind every interaction between participants, but awareness of long-standing conflicts may provide additional context.
• Separate the fact from the emotion. While emotion should be acknowledged, focus on the facts presented.
• Use common sense. Are the statements making sense? Are you aware of information that proves the report invalid?

If you realize that a report is invalid:

• Be patient. You may have to spend some time explaining errors or misunderstandings to the person making the report, but you must deal with them compassionately.