This Code of Conduct outlines the guidelines for participating in the cybercrime support group.

Our goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for victims of cybercrime to share their experiences, gain emotional support, and access resources to aid in their recovery.

• Confidentiality:

  • Protecting each participant’s privacy is paramount. What is shared in the group stays in the group.
  • Do not disclose or discuss another participant’s personal experiences or any identifying information outside of the group.
  • If you would like to follow up with someone after a session, ask for their explicit consent.

• Respect:

  • Respect the opinions, experiences, and feelings of others. Everyone’s journey through recovery is different.
  • Do not interrupt others when they are speaking. Allow each participant to share without judgment.
  • Use respectful language and avoid offensive or derogatory comments.

• Non-Judgmental Environment:

  • This group is a safe space for individuals to express themselves freely. There will be no criticism, blame, or shaming of others for their experiences or emotions.
  • Avoid making assumptions about others’ circumstances or the steps they have taken following their experience with cybercrime.

• Supportive Participation:

  • Provide emotional support to others. Encourage participants by listening, empathizing, and offering helpful suggestions when appropriate.
  • Avoid giving unsolicited advice. If you wish to offer advice, ensure that it is constructive and relevant to the discussion.

• Safety and Security:

  • Participants should refrain from sharing overly detailed personal information that could compromise their security, such as financial details, addresses, or current vulnerabilities.
  • If discussing cybercrime cases, avoid revealing sensitive data about others who may be involved, especially in ongoing legal or investigative cases.
  • Do not attempt to contact or identify anyone involved in a participant’s case without their permission.

• Equal Opportunity to Share:

  • Ensure that everyone has a chance to speak. Be mindful of how much time you are taking and allow space for others to contribute.
  • No one should feel pressured to speak. Participants can share at their own comfort level and can pass during group discussions if they prefer to listen.

• No Promotion of Products or Services:

  • The group is not a place for advertising or self-promotion of products, services, or businesses.
  • If recommending resources (such as cybersecurity tools, recovery services, etc.), ensure that these are in the best interest of the group without any personal or financial incentives.

• Conflict Resolution:

  • In the event of disagreement, maintain a respectful tone. Direct personal attacks, harassment, or hostility will not be tolerated.
  • If you feel uncomfortable or have concerns about another participant’s behavior, report this privately to the group facilitator or moderator.

• Group Integrity:

  • Regular attendance is encouraged to maintain continuity and trust within the group.
  • If you are unable to attend a session, you are welcome to inform the facilitator, but this is not required.
  • If for any reason you choose to leave the group, please notify the facilitator in advance, allowing space for feedback if desired.

• Facilitator Authority:

  • The group facilitator reserves the right to intervene and mediate if the discussion deviates from these guidelines or if conflicts arise.
  • The facilitator may take corrective actions, including temporary or permanent removal from the group, if these guidelines are violated.

• First Violation: If a participant violates the Code of Conduct, they will receive a private reminder from the facilitator about the importance of following the guidelines.
• Second Violation: Repeated violations will result in a formal warning.
• Final Action: Continued misconduct or severe violations will result in removal from the group to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.