Filing a Formal Concern is a way to alert the Harassment and Grievance Officers (HGOs) of Boston DSA about incidents in which you believe there has been a violation of our local Code of Conduct and/or national DSA Harassment Policy. In any situation requiring especially urgent action (i.e., involving ongoing harassment, abuse, or violence), we urge you to contact us directly at HGO@bostondsa.org even before you file a formal concern.

If you would like to ask about an incident you’re not sure how to classify, or discuss how to report an incident or file a concern, please email the HGOs at HGO@bostondsa.org. We can also share instructions for contacting us more securely via this email address.

After receiving a Formal Concern, the four Harassment and Grievance Officers (HGOs) will seek determine how best to address the incidents described. HGOs are required to follow up with you within 30 days (if the incident involves a violation of the local  Code of Conduct) or within 7 days (if it involves harassment in violation of National DSA policy). However, we aim to reply to you within 7 days or fewer regardless of the nature of your concern. There may be delays during transitional periods or around major holidays.

Based on your filing, the HGOs will make an initial decision about whether the incidents meet the standards of the Code of Conduct and/or National Harassment Policy and therefore whether to continue processing as a formal concern. Before taking any further steps (such as contacting other parties), we will check in with you to make sure you are still okay with proceeding with the formal concern. We will also follow up with you at every other stage of the process to let you know about timeline updates and what steps we propose to take next.

The outcomes of the resolutions process depends on the nature of incident(s), their context and effects, and the willingness or capacity of all involved parties to participate in the resolution process. Based on all of these factors, the HGOs may recommend one or more of the following remedies in relation to the individual(s) responsible for the incident(s):

1. 1. Facilitated conversation or mediation with involved or affected individuals
   2. Meeting with HGOs to understand the impact of the incident and create a plan to avoid future ones
   3. Request that they undertake reparative actions and/or seek outside support or training
   4. More extended/involved restorative justice and/or accountability process
   5. Restrictions on participating in certain BDSA projects, activities, events, or groups
   6. Suspension from the chapter (either for a set period of time or conditional on meeting certain requirements)
   7. Expulsion from DSA (must be approved by the Coordinating Committee)

1. 1. You can ask a comrade, friend, or loved one to help you file the concern or to file it on your behalf based on the information you provide them.
   2. You can designate someone else to receive follow-up messages about the concern.
   3. You can decline to further discuss the concern with the HGOs after filing.
   4. You can decline to participate in any proposed remedies to the concern.
   5. You can contact us through a third party about filing anonymously.
   6. You can withdraw the concern after filing. However, if the incidents you filed about involve high risk of ongoing harm to other members of the chapter, the HGOs *may* continue seeking to address the problem without your involvement. Your privacy, safety, and confidentiality will be prioritized in this case.

If you have any questions, please email HGO@bostondsa.org.

DSA RESOLUTIONS PROCEDURES

The Boston DSA Resolutions Procedure: https://wiki.bostondsa.org/view/Boston_DSA_Resolutions_Procedure (login required)
Boston DSA Code of Conduct: https://www.bostondsa.org/code-of-conduct/
National DSA Harassment Policy (Resolution 33): https://www.dsausa.org/about-us/harassment-policy-resolution-33/

THE EFFECTS OF TRAUMA

Witnessing or experiencing harassment, violence, and other forms of abuse can be deeply distressing and disruptive, both at the time of the incident and long afterwards. You may find yourself having responses to the incident that are unexpected, unpredictable, and/or delayed. You may also find that talking about what you experienced, including making a report or speaking with HGOs, brings up painful memories and emotions. We honor your decision to file a formal concern and help make Boston DSA a safer organizing environment for all despite the personal impact doing so may have on you. We hope that the rights you (above) have as a member filing a concern make it possible for you to set boundaries that help mitigate against these effects.

OUTSIDE RESOURCES

The HGOs strive to do our work with the utmost respect and sensitivity to the profound impact of trauma and the needs of survivors. However, because of the nature of our roles, HGOs are unfortunately limited in our ability to provide the focused, ongoing support survivors need and deserve from their loved ones and communities after experiencing abuse. If at any time you need support, you can confidentially & anonymously contact these hotlines for emotional support, information, referrals, and safety-planning from trained listeners. These services are available 24/7/365. They will NOT require you to contact the police or any other state or private organization, or do so on your behalf without your consent.

Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline:  1-877-785-2020
Boston-Area Rape Crisis Center Hotline: 1-800-841-8371
Local LGBQ/T Survivor Hotline: 617-742-4911 (also for those in the poly or kink communities)
You can contact any of these hotlines regardless of how long ago the incident happened or whether you are seeking support for yourself or for someone else.

National Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Samaritans Statewide Helpline: 1-877-870-4673 (for anyone in need of emotional support)
COMPASS / NAMI Mental Health Helpline: 617-704-6264  (Mon – Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM, provides “help getting help”)

HGOs may also be able to provide more specific suggestions for places to seek support at your request.