That sucks! I'm sorry you were victimized. None of it is surprising in the least unfortunately, if you've been paying attention to what's been happening at Let Women Speak (LWS) events in the UK and elsewhere, and to Billboard Chris.
There are solutions! Firstly, make sure you document everything on quality video, extensively, the way they do at LWS. Did anyone film the restaurant manager? Multiple people should have. Not only does that provide great PR for the cause, but also evidence to back up your claims of harassment and abuse when dealing with the police and the courts.
Next, get tough! Be prepared to stand strong for yourselves. Politely but firmly insist that your rights be respected. DO NOT BACK DOWN, EVER. Insist that the police do their jobs and protect you, both beforehand when you planning your events, and during your events. If and when they fail you, document it. Document everything. Put it online. Be prepared to file complaints and if necessary, lawsuits.
If you're not willing to stand up strong for yourselves, you will just get pushed around by everyone else involved, as you experienced this time.
Next, make sure you recruit stewards to protect the event area, stage and speakers with their bodies, like they do at LWS.
Plan ahead of time with the police. Politely insist that counterprotestors be kept far enough away that they will not be disruptive to the event, physically and sound-wise.
Remember that most of the population is in agreement with you. Recruit, recruit, recruit! Good luck!
That sucks! I'm sorry you were victimized. None of it is surprising in the least unfortunately, if you've been paying attention to what's been happening at Let Women Speak (LWS) events in the UK and elsewhere, and to Billboard Chris.
There are solutions! Firstly, make sure you document everything on quality video, extensively, the way they do at LWS. Did anyone film the restaurant manager? Multiple people should have. Not only does that provide great PR for the cause, but also evidence to back up your claims of harassment and abuse when dealing with the police and the courts.
Next, get tough! Be prepared to stand strong for yourselves. Politely but firmly insist that your rights be respected. DO NOT BACK DOWN, EVER. Insist that the police do their jobs and protect you, both beforehand when you planning your events, and during your events. If and when they fail you, document it. Document everything. Put it online. Be prepared to file complaints and if necessary, lawsuits.
If you're not willing to stand up strong for yourselves, you will just get pushed around by everyone else involved, as you experienced this time.
Next, make sure you recruit stewards to protect the event area, stage and speakers with their bodies, like they do at LWS.
Plan ahead of time with the police. Politely insist that counterprotestors be kept far enough away that they will not be disruptive to the event, physically and sound-wise.
Remember that most of the population is in agreement with you. Recruit, recruit, recruit! Good luck!