Kim Koodwin posted 4 months ago
Community Safety and Personal Security
The safety of our community is our highest priority. Because ViyahVogue involves meeting in person to exchange high-value traditional wear, we have established these safety guidelines for all lenders and borrowers.
Keep All Communication on the Platform
Use the ViyahVogue messaging system for all coordination – do not move conversations to WhatsApp, email or phone. This creates a digital record that we can refer to if we need to support you in a dispute or safety concern.
Never share your home address, personal phone number or private email address through the platform. All logistics can be handled securely through ViyahVogue without needing to share personal contact details.
Meeting Safely
Public locations only. Always meet in busy, well-lit, neutral public spaces. Good options include local places of worship, public libraries, town halls and community centres. If you choose to meet at a private home address, you do so entirely at your own risk – ViyahVogue strongly advises against this.
Bring someone with you. Whenever possible, bring a friend or family member to the collection or return meeting.
Tell someone where you’re going. If you’re meeting alone, let a friend or family member know exactly where you’re going, who you’re meeting and when you expect to be back.
Daytime meetings. Aim to schedule all handovers and returns during daylight hours where possible.
Trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable or suspicious, you have the right to leave immediately. Your safety is more important than the rental.
Identity Verification
ID matching. Lenders are required to check the borrower’s ID at collection and confirm it matches the name on the booking and the card used to pay.
No proxies. The person who made the booking must be the person who collects the outfit. Do not send a friend or family member to collect on your behalf – lenders are instructed not to release outfits to anyone other than the named borrower and the person named on the payment card.
Payment Security
No cash exchanges. All payments – rental fees, security deposits and any other charges – must be processed through the ViyahVogue payment system. Never pay or accept payment in cash or via direct bank transfer outside the platform.
Never pay a deposit directly to a lender. Your security deposit is held securely by ViyahVogue and is only released once the return process is completed. Any request to pay a deposit outside the platform should be reported to us immediately.
Reporting Concerns
Flag uncomfortable behaviour. If another user makes you feel unsafe, uses inappropriate language or suggests meeting in a private or unusual location, report them to ViyahVogue immediately at operations@viyahvogue.com.
In an emergency. If you feel immediately threatened during a meeting, contact emergency services on 999 first. Contact ViyahVogue once you are safe.
Zero tolerance. ViyahVogue has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination or any behaviour that threatens the safety of our community. Any member who violates these guidelines will be permanently removed from the platform.
Our Commitment to You
We regularly review user profiles and feedback. Reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly. ViyahVogue exists to be a trusted space for the South Asian community – keeping it safe is something we take personal responsibility for.
If you have any safety concerns at any time, contact us at operations@viyahvogue.com.