At PTSD UK, we are committed to maintaining a supportive, respectful, and informative online environment. These comprehensive guidelines are designed to ensure the integrity and quality of our platform. All users must strictly adhere to these non-negotiable rules.
- Respectful Communication
- All interactions on our website must be conducted with the utmost respect and courtesy.
- Abusive language, insults, and personal attacks are strictly forbidden under any circumstances.
- Disagreements should be expressed politely and constructively, focusing on ideas rather than individuals.
- Use appropriate language and tone in all communications, keeping in mind the sensitive nature of PTSD-related discussions.
- Factual Information
- Share only information that you know to be accurate and true, preferably from reputable sources.
- Fabrication of stories, experiences, or data is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate action.
- If you are unsure about the accuracy of information, refrain from posting it.
- When sharing personal experiences, clearly state that they are your own and may not be representative of everyone’s experience with PTSD.
- Zero Tolerance for Discrimination
- We have an absolute zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination.
- This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or socioeconomic status.
- Comments or content promoting prejudice, stereotypes, or biases will be immediately removed.
- Users are expected to be inclusive and respectful of diverse experiences and backgrounds.
- Bullying and Harassment Prevention
- Bullying or harassment of any kind is absolutely prohibited and will result in immediate account suspension.
- This includes repeated negative comments, intimidation, threats, or any behaviour that creates a hostile environment.
- Users engaging in such behaviour will be permanently banned from the website.
- We encourage users to report any instances of bullying or harassment they witness.
- Appropriate Content
- All content must be relevant to PTSD, mental health, and related topics.
- Explicit, offensive, or inappropriate content is strictly forbidden.
- Jokes or humour at the expense of individuals or groups are not permitted under any circumstances.
- Content should be constructive, supportive, and aligned with the website’s mission of providing information and support.
- Privacy and Confidentiality
- Respect the privacy of others at all times. Do not share personal information without explicit consent.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of any private discussions or support group interactions.
- Do not attempt to identify or expose the real-world identity of other users.
- Be cautious about sharing your own personal information on public forums.
- No Promotion or Advertising
- Commercial promotion or advertising is strictly forbidden without prior approval.
- This includes self-promotion, unless explicitly approved by PTSD UK administrators.
- Links to external websites should be relevant and not for commercial purposes.
- Users found to be using the platform for marketing purposes will have their accounts suspended.
- Copyright and Intellectual Property
- Do not post copyrighted material without proper attribution and permission.
- Respect intellectual property rights at all times.
- When quoting or referencing others’ work, provide clear citations.
- Original content created by users remains their property, but by posting, users grant PTSD UK the right to display and archive the content.
- Reporting Violations
- If you encounter any violations of these guidelines, report them immediately to the website administrators.
- Do not engage with or respond to inappropriate content; let the moderators handle it.
- Provide as much detail as possible when reporting violations to assist in swift resolution.
- False reporting with malicious intent is itself a violation of these guidelines.
- Consequences of Violation
- Violations of these guidelines will result in immediate action by the moderation team.
- Depending on the severity, consequences may include content removal, temporary suspension, or permanent banning from the website.
- Repeat offenders will face more severe consequences, including permanent IP bans.
- PTSD UK reserves the right to report illegal activities to relevant authorities.
- Amendments to Guidelines
- PTSD UK reserves the right to modify these guidelines at any time to ensure the continued safety and quality of our community.
- Users are responsible for staying informed about any changes to the guidelines.
- Major changes to the guidelines will be announced on the website and via email to registered users.
- Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated guidelines.
- Support and Resources
- Users are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the resources available on PTSD UK for managing PTSD and related conditions.
- If you feel triggered or overwhelmed by content on the website, please use the provided links to access immediate support resources.
- Remember that while PTSD UK provides valuable information, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
- Community Engagement
- Users are encouraged to participate positively in discussions and support forums.
- Share personal experiences if comfortable, but avoid pressuring others to do the same.
- Be mindful that recovery journeys are unique; what works for one person may not work for another.
- Celebrate others’ progress and offer encouragement where appropriate.
- Language and Terminology
- Use appropriate and sensitive language when discussing PTSD and related topics.
- Avoid stigmatising language or terms that may be considered offensive to individuals with PTSD.
- If unsure about the appropriateness of certain terms, consult the PTSD UK glossary or ask a moderator.
- Trigger Warnings
- When posting content that may be triggering, use appropriate trigger warnings at the beginning of your post.
- Be specific about the nature of the potentially triggering content without going into graphic detail.
- Respect others’ boundaries if they express discomfort with certain topics.
By using PTSD UK’s website, you agree to abide by these comprehensive guidelines. Our aim is to maintain a safe, supportive, and informative space for all users. We appreciate your cooperation in upholding these standards and contributing positively to our community.These guidelines are in place to protect and support all users. They are not open to interpretation or negotiation. Adherence is mandatory for continued access to and participation in our website. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining the integrity and supportive nature of PTSD UK.