Safer Space

Safer Space Policy

Last Updated: November 2025

Guiding Principles

At İhtimam, we care not only about what we do, but also about how we do it. These principles are not intended as rigid rules; rather, they offer a framework that reminds us of the kind of space we seek to create together.

We Strive to Nurture Relationships

We seek to place life, emotions, and relationships at the center of our work. We recognize that trust is built over time, not through speed. For this reason, we try to care not only for processes and outcomes, but also for the relationships that make them possible.

We Strive to Make Space for Emotions

We seek to make room not only for people’s ideas, but also for their feelings. We value how people feel as much as what they think.

We Strive to Recognize and Reduce Power Imbalances

We acknowledge that every relationship may contain different power dynamics. We understand that our actions can either reinforce or challenge these inequalities. We try to notice who finds it easier to speak, who takes up less space, and who may remain unseen or unheard.

We Strive to Value Lived Experience

We value and respect one another’s lived experiences as valid forms of knowledge. We recognize that the experiences of women and other historically marginalized groups are often overlooked or dismissed, and we seek to challenge that reality.

At the same time, we acknowledge that our experiences, values, beliefs, and social positions shape how we see the world and one another. We try to remain aware of how our own perspectives are influenced by our positions and circumstances.

We Accept That Discomfort and Challenge May Arise

When discussing issues related to power and privilege, we strive to create a space where people can engage critically, courageously, and compassionately.

We do not avoid difficult conversations. We recognize that feeling uncomfortable is not the same as being harmed or feeling unsafe. When challenges arise, we remind ourselves that it is possible to pause, seek support, set boundaries, or step back when needed.

We Strive to Make Space for Needs and Boundaries

We seek to respect and take seriously each person’s stated needs and boundaries, and to shape our shared spaces accordingly.

We understand that no one is required to participate, share, or engage in the same way at all times. By recognizing both individual and collective needs and boundaries, we aim to cultivate a space grounded in care.

We Strive to Create Safe Spaces Together

We understand that a safe space is not something defined once and for all. It is an ongoing process that is built collectively over time.

We seek to contribute to this process with attentiveness, care, and a shared sense of responsibility.

We Accept That We May Be Vulnerable and Imperfect

Like care itself, and like life, this space can be both beautiful and challenging.

We know that neither this space nor the people within it will be perfect. When we fall short, make mistakes, or cause harm, we strive not to become defensive. Instead, we try to pause, reflect, take responsibility, and, where possible, work toward repair and restoration of the relationship.

Volunteers’ Rights and Responsibilities

Volunteers’ Rights

As volunteers, we have the right to:

Know what is expected of us and who we are accountable to
Know whom we can turn to for support when we encounter a challenge
Participate in a safe, inclusive, and care-centered environment
Contribute according to our own time, energy, and capacities
Set boundaries, take breaks, or step back when needed
Share our opinions, feedback, and concerns
Access information about İhtimam’s processes and decisions as transparently as possible

Volunteers’ Responsibilities

As volunteers, we commit to:

Upholding the Code of Conduct and using care-centered, inclusive language
Respecting both our own boundaries and those of others
Staying in communication, as much as possible, within the processes we are part of
Protecting the confidentiality of shared information, experiences, and documents
Carrying out our contributions in line with our capacity and commitments
Helping to maintain a safe space and not remaining silent in the face of harm or violations
Raising concerns when we experience or witness a problem and cooperating with relevant processes when needed

Safe Space and Reporting Mechanisms

At İhtimam, we believe that a safe space is not something that is created once and for all, but something that is continuously built together over time. While we strive to treat one another with care, situations may arise that cross boundaries, cause harm, or leave someone feeling unsafe. In such moments, we want people to know that they do not have to navigate the situation alone and that support is available.

Behaviors We Do Not Accept at İhtimam

The following behaviors are inconsistent with İhtimam’s values, and we believe we all share responsibility for preventing them:

Harassment, unwanted sexual attention, stalking, physical violence, or verbal abuse
Discriminatory, exclusionary, or degrading language and behavior
Systematically belittling, isolating, intimidating, or sabotaging another person
Sexist, ageist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, classist, or otherwise marginalizing remarks or behaviors presented as “jokes,” “compliments,” or “good intentions”
Sharing another person’s private information, experiences, or contributions without their explicit consent
Using differences in power, age, position, experience, or hierarchy to pressure, manipulate, or violate another person’s boundaries
Persisting after someone has clearly said “no,” expressed discomfort, or indicated that they do not wish to continue an interaction

If You Experience or Witness a Concern

If something has made you uncomfortable, left you feeling unsafe, or caused concern for someone else, you are encouraged to share it.

You do not need to determine whether an incident is “serious enough” before reaching out.

You may contact us directly, or you may submit a report anonymously through our Safe Space Reporting Form:

Safe Space Reporting Form: https://tally.so/r/1ArbP4

You are not required to provide your name when completing the form.

All reports are handled confidentially. Retaliation of any kind—including exclusion, damage to relationships, removal from processes, or other negative consequences because someone raised a concern—is not acceptable.

What Happens After a Report Is Submitted?

Not every situation requires the same response. In some cases, a process of carefrontation—addressing harm through accountability and care—may be appropriate. In others, clearer boundaries or protective measures may be necessary.

Depending on the nature of the situation, we may:

Facilitate a careful and confidential review process with the relevant people involved
Organize a moderated carefrontation process if all parties consent
Seek support from an independent external professional when appropriate
Restrict or remove someone’s participation in İhtimam spaces in cases of serious or repeated violations

The purpose of this process is, whenever possible, to center the needs of the person affected, support accountability, ensure that concerns are heard, and help rebuild trust.

Feedback and Solidarity

This document reflects an ongoing commitment rather than a finished achievement. There may be gaps, blind spots, or areas where we can do better.

We welcome your feedback, suggestions, and reflections on how we can improve.