Wikipedia:Sexual harassment

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sexual harassment is a serious form of harassment where an individual or group is targeted due to their sex, gender, LGBT status, or personal sexual history. It silences not only the harassed editor, but also editors that might share similar identities. Wikipedia's non discrimination policy is essential for an encyclopedia with a neutral point of view, and promotes its growth by encouraging the participation of editors from all backgrounds. In light of Wikipedia's struggles to overcome its historical gender gap in participation, it is important for Wikipedia administration to ensure that sexual harassment is carefully dealt with.

The English language Wikipedia community does not currently have a separate policy regarding online sexual harassment in particular. Currently the Wikipedia:harassment policy covers all forms of harassment.

Private reporting of sexual harassment[edit]

We will create methods that will give some way for editors that believe they have been victims of sexual harassment to report incidents privately to the administrators. This is in order to protect these editors from further harassment and attacks and protect those members that feel privacy is preferable.

Interaction bans[edit]

To avoid further issues arising, it is possible for admins to issue a temporary interaction ban while they investigate. Being subject to an interaction ban does not imply that sexual harassment took place, but can be enacted purely as a precaution while an investigation is ongoing.

Sexual threats[edit]

Anyone who sees threats to sexually assault another person, or to harm them due to their identity, should report those threats to the WMF directly and to administrators. As threats must be taken seriously, they may also choose to involve their country's law enforcement apparatus directly.

See also[edit]