Complete Safety Team Handbook

Safety Team Handbook — Under the Dark Sail

1. Purpose & Scope

The Safety Team exists to provide trauma‑informed, survivor‑centered support at festivals, faires, and public events. This handbook outlines expectations, procedures, and ethical standards for all Safety Team members.

2. Core Principles

  • Survivor‑Centered: The survivor determines pace, disclosure, and next steps.

  • Non‑Coercive: No pressure to report, disclose, or act.

  • Confidential: Information is shared only with explicit consent.

  • Neutral & Non‑Investigative: Safety Teams support; they do not interrogate.

  • Trauma‑Informed: Assume trauma; avoid assumptions, judgment, or minimizing.

  • Cultural Awareness: Respect identities, boundaries, and lived experiences.

3. Roles & Responsibilities

Safety Lead

  • Oversees team operations

  • Coordinates with event organizers

  • Handles escalations

Safety Responders

  • Provide on‑site support

  • Document incidents

  • Maintain calm, grounded presence

Support Liaison

  • Connects survivors with resources

  • Manages follow‑up communication

4. On‑Site Conduct Standards

  • Wear identifiable but discreet safety markers

  • Maintain professional boundaries

  • Avoid gossip, speculation, or discussing cases

  • No alcohol or impairment while on duty

  • No fraternization with cast/crew while on shift

5. Responding to Disclosures

Do:

  • Listen without interruption

  • Validate feelings

  • Offer choices, not directives

  • Ask: “What do you need right now?”

  • Document only what the survivor consents to share

Do Not:

  • Ask “why” questions

  • Pressure for details

  • Promise outcomes

  • Contact authorities without explicit consent

6. Incident Response Flow

  1. Survivor approaches or is referred

  2. Move to a safe, private location

  3. Provide grounding and support

  4. Ask what the survivor wants

  5. Offer options (medical, reporting, resources)

  6. Document with consent

  7. Follow survivor’s chosen next steps

  8. Debrief with Safety Lead

7. Documentation Standards

  • Use neutral, factual language

  • No assumptions or interpretations

  • Survivor may review or withdraw their report

  • Store securely and access‑restricted

8. Working With Event Organizers

  • Provide daily briefings

  • Maintain independence from cast/crew politics

  • Ensure organizers understand boundaries

  • Advocate for survivor‑safe policies

9. Self‑Care & Burnout Prevention

  • Mandatory breaks

  • Peer check‑ins

  • Access to mental health resources

  • Debrief after difficult cases