Daniel and Elizabeth Case wrote:
>A major problem with our dispute-resolution processes is that the person being harassed has >to endure more harassment to draw attention to the problem. This is, of course, hardly unique to Wikipedia or even online communities in general, I think.
I have long thought the Foundation ought to employ a team of specialists who can take up >those cases when they see them,
so that the pursuit of sanctions is not laid at the victim's >door. This is perhaps similar to Sumana's suggestion that communities need dedicated >helpers who will do the emotional labour in conflict situations.
Would there be a good existing example of such a program we could take a look at? Daniel Case
Online communities can allow anyone to "report" problem posts or PMs. Only the moderators see these reports, not the general membership or public. For example, Simple Machines Forum has a report link on every post.
http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php
Now in many cases the harasser can blame the victim, but that happens whether it is the truth or not.
I have run into a problem of neutrals feeling as though reporting is "being a snitch." Haven't figured out a way around that yet.
Janine