At Patreon, we empower creators and fans to express themselves, though not at the expense of anyone else’s safety or privacy. Our goal is to build a community where everyone feels welcome and free to share their ideas and creativity. While constructive disagreements can happen, bullying or harassment is unacceptable. If you’re facing or witness harassment or bullying on Patreon, here’s what you can do:
- Understand Our Guidelines: Visit our Community Guidelines to learn more about our philosophy. In short, safety is our top priority. As our Harassment and Hate Speech policies detail, we promote inclusivity on Patreon. We have zero tolerance for bullying, dogpiling, doxxing, non-consensual intimate imagery, swatting, or the threatening or inciting of violence.
- Collect Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible (e.g. screenshots, URLs, etc.). For videos, we recommend including a timestamp indicating where in the footage the harm occurred; including a transcript of the segment, if available, is helpful as well. This sort of documentation is crucial for Patreon’s Trust & Safety Team to assess the situation and take appropriate action.
- Report the Incident: Once you’ve collected your evidence, submit a report. Reporting helps us keep the community safe. If we confirm that a violation of guidelines has occurred, we will take appropriate action; however, details of our decision may not be shared with you.
- Limit Communication: While you should limit your communication with the abuser, don’t be afraid to ask them clearly to stop contacting or mentioning you.
- Block the Abuser: After asking them to stop, block their account if possible. Ignoring attacks can lead bullies to lose interest if they don’t get the reaction they want.
- Contact Authorities if Threatened: If you fear for your safety at any point, contact local authorities and file a police report.
- Seek Support: Talk to a friend or someone you trust. You are not alone.
By following these steps, you can help maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone on Patreon.