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Safety and De-Escalation

Use when: tensions are high, rapid response is happening, or people need help without adding chaos.
Goal: keep people safer, reduce rumor spread, and separate roles before the moment gets messy.

Core principle

Help is not the same job as documenting. Documenting is not the same job as legal support. Separate roles early.

Minimum role split

• Helpers: direct support, logistics, supplies, rides, check-ins
• Documenters: notes, photos, timeline, verification, records
• Legal support: lawyer hotline, bail support, know-your-rights contact, referral
• Coordinator: keeps the picture clear and stops duplication

One person can hold multiple roles only if the situation is low heat.

Rumor control protocol

Label information clearly:

• Verified: confirmed by direct witness, official doc, or multiple credible sources
• Plausible: not confirmed yet, but consistent with credible reporting
• Unknown: passed around, not safe to act on

Do not upgrade “plausible” to “verified” because people are scared.

Privacy basics

• do not post names, addresses, or faces without a real need and consent where possible
• strip metadata when sharing sensitive images
• do not publish minors or vulnerable people casually
• do not circulate doxxable details just because they are technically public

De-escalation rules

• lower volume, slow the pace, reduce the audience
• move conflict out of comment threads and into direct contact when possible
• if you cannot make it safer, do not make it louder

Definition of done

Leave with:

1. role assignments
2. rumor labels on key claims
3. one next check-in time
4. one log entry

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