Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use REES?

REES was developed for use by the Venture Capital and start-up community. This includes VC and accelerator employees, founders of portfolio companies. If a portfolio company would like to use REES for their employees, contact us at hello@reescommunity.com.

Who can see my information if I use REES?

Click here to read our Privacy Policy.

Can I change my username?

No. Once you have created an account you cannot change your username.

Can I change my password?

No. You cannot change your password. This is a security feature of the platform. It is important to use a password that you will remember. You will not be able to log in to your account without it.

Can I change my passphrase?

No. You have to use the same passphrase each time you access the Record that it was created with. If you create a new Record you can use the same passphrase or use a new one. It is important to use a passphrase that you will remember. You will not be able to take any action such as Connect Internally or Report to Police without it.

Can I retrieve a forgotten password or passphrase?

No. You cannot retrieve your password or passphrase. This is a security feature of the platform. It is important to use a password/passphrase that you will remember. You will not be able to log in to your account or send a Report without it.

How long is my Record saved for?

All Records will be saved in REES for 10 years unless you choose to delete the Record or Account.

Can I edit or delete a Record?

Yes. Log in and go to My Account. Choose the Record you want to delete and click Delete.

Can I create multiple Records?

Yes. You can create multiple Records of different incidents in your account.

Can I print my Record?

Yes. This option is available at My Account.

Can I permanently delete my account?

Yes. Go to Settings and select Delete My Account. When you delete your account any Records you have created are permanently deleted. This action cannot be reversed.

Because REES does not link any account information to Anonymous Reports, once an Anonymous Report has been submitted to REES it cannot be deleted or removed from the database.

What is the Narrative?

The Narrative is the section of your Record that allows you to write about what happened to you, in your own words. Like all questions in the Record, this is optional. The Narrative is not included in an Anonymous Report.

Why might I consider writing a narrative?

If you are not sure, or still thinking about whether or not you want to report, writing a Narrative may help you document details of the incident that you remember now.

How do I get technical support?

If you need technical support contact techsupport@reescommunity.com

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

This can include sexualized language/jokes, pressuring for sexual activity, and unsolicited sexually explicit text/email/images.

Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of settings including the workplace, learning environment, home or community.

What is Sexual Misconduct?

Sexual misconduct is a non-legal term used informally to describe a broad range of behaviors, which may or may not involve harassment.

This can include inappropriate work relationships (e.g. between a boss and employee).

Sexual misconduct can contribute to a toxic or unsafe workplace or learning environment.

What is Sexual Assault?

What is Consent?

Consent is the voluntary agreement to participate in a sexual activity. You can change your mind at any time and withdraw your consent if you are uncomfortable. All people involved must feel that they are able to say “no” or stop the sexual activity at any point. Silence does not equal consent.

Consent cannot be given if an individual is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, or if they are unconscious. A person in a position of power, trust or authority cannot obtain consent. If a person uses coercion or threats, it is not consent.

What is an Anonymous Report?

An Anonymous Report includes only the gender, multiple choice and dropdown portions of your Record. It contains no personal or identifying information or your Narrative.

Why might I consider sending an Anonymous Report?

An Anonymous Report allows individuals who have experienced harassment to have their voice heard and their experience acknowledged anonymously, without making a report.

The data obtained from Anonymous Reports is intended to help measure the incidence and identify patterns of sexual violence within the VC and start-up community with the goal creating safer, more inclusive environments.

Can I cancel my Anonymous Report?

No. Once you have submitted an Anonymous Report to REES, the action cannot be cancelled.

Sexual violence is never okay. If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, know that it is not your fault and there are supports available to you. Every situation is unique, and your experience is valid. Please reach out if you feel you would benefit from connecting with someone at your VC or accelerator to support you.

What is my VC or accelerator’s sexual harassment policy?

No. Your VC or Accelerator does not have a sexual harassment policy.

What happens after I Connect Internally?

REES will send your contact information to the designated staff person at your VC or Accelerator. They will contact you directly to follow up. You can choose to attach your Record and/or your Narrative when you Connect Internally.

When you select Connect Internally, an Anonymous Report is automatically generated. You do not need to send an Anonymous Report as a separate, additional report.

Can I Connect Internally without sending my Record and Narrative?

Yes. You can decide how much information you share, when and with whom. You can send only your contact information or you have the option to provide your Record and/or Narrative.

Who will contact me?

When you Connect Internally your information will go to:

Steph Jones

Senior Program Associate & D,E,I Lead

Email: steph@forumvc.com

Can I cancel if I Connect Internally?

No. Once you have selected Connect Internally, the action cannot be cancelled. If you change your mind and decide you do not want to talk to your VC or accelerator, you can let them know that when they contact you.

Is there a time limit to Connect Internally?

No. REES does not have a time limit to use Connect Internally.

What is RPI?

RPI is a function of REES that helps to identify a person that has perpetrated sexual violence against multiple people. You provide specific identifying information about the perpetrator that is stored in a database. If there is a match of identifying information provided by two individuals, the designated contact will be informed. They will follow up with each individual separately to discuss further.

Can I use RPI anonymously?

No. You must provide your name and contact information so that the designated contact can follow up with you.

Will I be notified if there is another entry in RPI?

If two people identify the same person and a match is made, the information will go to the designated contact. They will follow up with you directly for more information.

Is the perpetrator notified that their name was entered into RPI?

Once RPI has a match of two entries, the information is sent to your VC or Accelerator. They will determine how to move forward based on the safety of the startup community.

This may include contacting the perpetrator.

Why would I consider using RPI?

Often perpetrators of sexual violence have more than one victim and there is a pattern of behavior. Choosing to enter RPI information may assist in identifying an individual that poses an increased risk to the startup community.

Can I use RPI without creating a Record?

Yes. You can use RPI on its own or with another form of reporting.

Can I delete my RPI entry?

Yes. Go to Settings and select Delete RPI Submissions.

What is physical evidence?

Physical evidence is any material item that can be used in an investigation to show what happened. This can include objects, clothing, bed linens, condoms, or anything that might have DNA (bodily fluids, hair, skin cells) from the perpetrator.

If police are involved they will typically obtain evidence from the scene where the sexual assault occurred. It is best to leave things undisturbed by not cleaning or removing any items from the scene. Evidence can also be collected from the body or clothes of the survivor during a sexual assault forensic exam.

If you are not sure whether you want to involve police, you may want to keep evidence in case you later decide to make a report. Keep unwashed clothing or items in a paper bag (plastic bags can damage evidence).

What is digital evidence?

Digital evidence (also referred to as electronic evidence) is information that is stored on, received, or transmitted in a digital format by an electronic device. This evidence is often created when sexual violence involves the use of technology. Some examples include:

• Text messages or other online communication that contains threats
• Harassing posts on social media
• Email, photos, videos, voicemail messages

How can I safely store my digital evidence?

Documenting your digital evidence can be helpful if you decide to report to police.

Digital evidence can be easily lost or destroyed. To prevent this, there are a number of things you can do to preserve digital evidence.

• Creating backup copies and storing securely on an external storage device (e.g. external hard drive, flash drive)
• Taking screenshots and emailing them to yourself
• Update your account passwords

When documenting digital evidence, include as much information as possible in the screen shots or print outs.

• If you are saving screenshots or print outs of emails, include the full header information from the original email so that the date, time, and IP address of the sender is included. Sometimes the full details of the email header are hidden, and you can access this information in the settings.
• For screenshots of text messages or phone call logs, show the phone number that made the calls or texts, not the contact name assigned to that number in your phone.

It is very important that you are not changing the digital evidence at all. Do not add or delete details. For example, if someone sends a threatening message that does not include their name, you cannot add their name to the message.

Why is it important to get medical care soon after a sexual assault?

Even if you don’t seem to be physically injured, it is strongly encouraged to seek medical attention following a sexual assault. A medical practitioner can address concerns around:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Pregnancy and emergency contraception
• Other forms of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

You may want to have a forensic exam done to gather evidence for the purpose of a criminal investigation. You can still access medical care without involving the police.

You can have a support person of your choice such as a friend, family member, or Advocate accompany you throughout the medical care process.

What is a forensic exam?

A sexual assault forensic exam is an exam that has two purposes: to attend to any medical concerns the survivor may have following the assault, and to collect evidence for the purpose of a criminal investigation.

If possible avoid bathing, showering, brushing teeth, eating or drinking before a forensic exam. If you already have that is okay and you can still be examined.

In some communities you can have a forensic exam done and the evidence will be stored for up to one year to provide time to consider if you want to file a police report. This is called a Forensic Hold.

Where can I get information about the sexual assault services in my community?

Who can I call if I am having thoughts of suicide or harming myself?

What are common reactions after experiencing sexual violence?

After experiencing harassment, you may notice changes in the way you feel about yourself, your body, and your perception of safety. Everyone’s experience is different, and there are no right or wrong ways to feel.

Some common reactions include:

• Feelings of shame, humiliation, and guilt
• Grief
• Mood swings and anger
• Difficulty concentrating or a lack of motivation
• Feeling powerless
• Feelings of fear, feeling unsafe, difficulty trusting others
• Physical changes (e.g. eating and sleeping problems, anxiety, headaches)
• Feeling detached from your body
• Thoughts of harming yourself

Self-blame is a common reaction after harassment. You may find yourself thinking about “what could I have done to prevent this from happening?” It is important to remember that no matter the circumstances, what happened is not your fault. Anyone can be assaulted or harassed, and nobody ever deserves or invites this behaviour.

What are grounding techniques?

Grounding techniques are simple strategies to direct your focus to the sensations in your body or your surroundings in the present moment. This can be helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed by distressing thoughts or feelings, or if you feel disconnected or numb. Grounding techniques can be used when you are having a panic attack, flashback, unwanted memory, or dissociation. Even though grounding does not solve the problem that is causing you distress, it can help you gain control of your thoughts and feelings and prevent things from getting worse.

Grounding techniques are often simple but take practice to be most effective.

There are many different grounding techniques. Find what works best for you. Here are a few exercises you can try.

5,4,3,2,1 Exercise

Bring your awareness to the present by engaging your 5 senses. Look around and name:

• 5 objects you can see
• 4 different sounds you can hear
• 3 textures you can feel
• 2 scents you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste

Box breathing

Breathing exercises can help relax the body and the mind and bring a sense of calm. Box breathing (also called Square breathing) involves counting to steady and even out the breath.

• Inhale slowly for 4 counts
• Hold your breath for 4 counts
• Exhale slowly for 4 counts
• Hold your breath for 4 counts
• Repeat this process a few times, paying attention to your breath.

Use a phrase to anchor yourself in the present moment

Say out loud or silently to yourself.

For example, “I’m Full Name. I’m X years old. Today is Monday, April 6. It’s 9:23 in the morning. I am sitting at my desk.” Continue adding details to bring your attention to your current surroundings.

You can also try this with soothing phrases such as

• “I am safe right now.”
• “I am going through a hard time, but I will get through this.”

What is a self-care plan?

A self-care plan is a plan to attend to your physical and emotional needs and to help you cope during difficult times, such as after experiencing sexual violence.

Self-care is individual and everyone’s self-care looks different. What works for you may not work for someone else, and vice versa.

What follows is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to self-care, but some questions to help you get started thinking about how you look after yourself physically and emotionally.

Physical self-care involves activities that improve or maintain your physical health and support your overall wellbeing.

• Are you getting enough rest? Do you have a routine or sleep pattern that makes you feel more rested?
• What types of movement do you enjoy? Are there activities that make you feel more energized?
• Are you eating foods that make you feel nourished, satisfied, and energized? Are you drinking fluids to stay hydrated?
• Do you seek medical care when needed?

Emotional self-care involves being connected to your emotions and learning ways to cope when those emotions feel overwhelming or distressing. It also involves cultivating healthy relationships and feeling good about yourself. This may include:

• Taking time for yourself
• Spending time with people you feel supported by
• Allowing yourself to acknowledge and accept uncomfortable or painful emotions when they arise
• Spiritual practices such as meditation, self-reflection, or prayer
• Enjoying activities that are fun and rewarding to you

Part of taking care of yourself involves knowing when you need to reach out for help. There are people internally and in your community who are available to support you.

How can I help a colleague who has experienced harrassment?