Legal & Community Policies
Everything you need to know about how we handle your information, what we stand for, and how our community operates.
Last updated: July 2026
Privacy Policy
Mumma Bears Rising ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care, respect, and transparency. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
By using our website at www.mummabearsrising.com or contacting us directly, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy.
A NOTE FROM US
1. Who We Are
Mumma Bears Rising is a peer support community for mothers who have experienced separation from their children. This website is operated anonymously by its founder, known as "Mumma Bear." For privacy enquiries, please contact us at hello@mummabearsrising.com.
2. What Personal Information We Collect
We collect only the personal information that is necessary to operate this website and provide our services. This may include:
Through the Contact Form
- Your name (or a pseudonym — you are not required to use your real name)
- Your country of residence
- The content of your message
Through Community Sign-Up
- Your name or preferred name
- Your email address
- Any information you choose to share when applying to join the community
Automatically Collected Information
- Basic website analytics such as pages visited and general location (country level only)
- Browser type and device information
We do not collect sensitive information such as health information, financial information, or government identifiers unless you voluntarily share this with us in a message.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the personal information we collect to:
- Respond to your enquiries and messages
- Process and assess applications to join our private community
- Send community updates, newsletters, or support resources (only where you have opted in)
- Improve the content and functionality of our website
- Ensure the safety and integrity of our community
We will never use your personal information for purposes other than those listed above without first obtaining your consent.
4. How We Store and Protect Your Information
Your personal information is stored securely. We take reasonable steps to protect it from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These steps include:
- Secure email systems and password-protected accounts
- Limiting access to your personal information to those who need it to operate our community
- Regularly reviewing our privacy and security practices
While we take all reasonable precautions, no data transmission over the internet is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but we are committed to protecting your information to the best of our ability.
5. Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not sell, rent, trade, or share your personal information with third parties except in the following limited circumstances:
- Service providers: We may share information with trusted third-party platforms that help us operate our website and community (such as email service providers), who are bound by confidentiality obligations
- Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the safety of our members or others
- With your consent: We will not disclose your information for any other purpose without your explicit consent
6. Your Rights Under the Australian Privacy Act
Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988, you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request that we correct inaccurate or out-of-date information
- Request that we delete your personal information (subject to any legal obligations we may have)
- Opt out of receiving communications from us at any time
- Make a complaint if you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@mummabearsrising.com. We will respond within 30 days.
7. Sensitive Information and Story Submissions
If you share your story with us — whether anonymously, via audio, or on video — we will handle that content with the highest level of care and confidentiality. We will never publish, share, or use your story without your explicit, informed consent. You may withdraw your consent at any time prior to publication.
8. Links to External Websites
Our website may contain links to external websites, including support organisations and resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to read their privacy policies.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or the way we handle your personal information, please contact us:
Privacy enquiries: hello@mummabearsrising.com
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
Terms & Conditions
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the Mumma Bears Rising website located at www.mummabearsrising.com and any services we provide, including our private community. By accessing or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our website or services.
1. About Mumma Bears Rising
Mumma Bears Rising is a peer support space and community for mothers who have experienced separation from their children. We are not a counselling service, legal organisation, mental health provider, or crisis support service. The content on this website is intended for informational, emotional support, and community purposes only.
2. Use of This Website
By using this website, you agree that you will:
Through the Contact Form
- Use the website only for lawful purposes and in a way that does not infringe the rights of others
- Not use the website to transmit any harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content
- Not attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the website or its systems
- Not reproduce, distribute, or republish any content from this website without our prior written consent
3. Content and Intellectual Property
All content on this website — including text, images, logos, graphics, and the Mumma Bears Rising brand assets — is owned by or licensed to Mumma Bears Rising and is protected by Australian copyright law.
You may share links to our content for personal, non-commercial purposes. You may not copy, reproduce, or republish our content without explicit written permission.
4. Story Submissions
If you choose to share your story with us — whether written, audio, or video — the following applies:
- You retain ownership of your story at all times
- By submitting your story, you grant Mumma Bears Rising a non-exclusive licence to publish and share your story for awareness and community purposes, in the format and with the anonymity level you have agreed to
- We will never publish your story without your explicit, informed consent
- You may withdraw your consent at any time prior to publication
- We will not identify you beyond what you have agreed to
Important — Section 121
5. Community Membership
Our private community is available by application only. By joining the community, you agree to:
- Abide by our Community Guidelines at all times
- Treat all members with compassion, dignity, and respect
- Maintain the confidentiality of other members and not share their information or stories outside the community
- Not use the community for commercial purposes, solicitation, or self-promotion
We reserve the right to remove any member from the community who violates these Terms or our Community Guidelines, without notice.
6. Third-Party Links and Resources
Our website contains links to external resources, organisations, and tools. These links are provided for informational purposes only. We do not endorse, control, or take responsibility for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of any third-party website.
7. Limitation of Liability
If you share your story with us — whether anonymously, via audio, or on video — we will handle that content with the highest level of care and confidentiality. We will never publish, share, or use your story without your explicit, informed consent. You may withdraw your consent at any time prior to publication.
- Reliance on information published on this website
- Interactions with other community members
- Technical errors, interruptions, or unavailability of the website
Nothing in these Terms excludes any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot be excluded by agreement.
8. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Australia. Any disputes arising under these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Australia.
9. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance.
10. Contact Us
Questions about these Terms: hello@mummabearsrising.com
Disclaimer
Please read this Disclaimer carefully before using the Mumma Bears Rising website or engaging with our community.
Not a professional service
1. Peer Support — Not Professional Advice
The content on this website — including articles, resources, founder messages, story submissions, podcast content, and community discussions — is provided for informational, educational, and emotional support purposes only.
Nothing on this website should be taken as:
- Legal advice regarding family law, custody, or court proceedings
- Psychological or mental health treatment
- Medical advice or diagnosis
- Crisis intervention or emergency support
- A substitute for professional counselling or therapy
We strongly encourage you to seek qualified professional support for your individual circumstances.
2. Crisis Support
If you are in crisis right now
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
- Parents Beyond Breakup: 1300 853 437
- Emergency services: 000
Mumma Bears Rising is not a crisis service. We cannot provide immediate emergency support and we are not monitored 24 hours a day.
3. Lived Experience Content
The stories, experiences, and perspectives shared on this website — including by our founder and community members — reflect personal lived experiences. They are not presented as factual accounts of legal proceedings or as verified claims about any other party. Stories are shared for the purposes of connection, awareness, and healing.
We respect the legal restrictions under Section 121 of the Family Law Act 1975, which prohibits the publication of information that identifies parties or children involved in family law proceedings. Contributors to this platform are responsible for ensuring their own compliance with these laws.
4. External Resources
We provide links to external resources, organisations, books, podcasts, and other materials for informational purposes only. We do not personally endorse, verify, or take responsibility for the accuracy, quality, or suitability of any external content. Please use your own judgement when engaging with any resource listed on this website.
5. No Guarantees
While we make every effort to ensure the information on this website is accurate and up to date, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the content for your particular situation.
6. Emotional Wellbeing
Some content on this website deals with themes of grief, loss, family separation, and trauma. If you are in a vulnerable emotional state, please engage with our content at your own pace and seek support from a qualified professional if needed.
Your wellbeing is more important than any content, story, or resource on this website.
A GENTLE REMINDER
Community Guidelines
Our private community exists to be a safe, compassionate, and supportive space for mothers navigating one of the most difficult experiences imaginable. These guidelines exist not to restrict you, but to protect every woman in this space — including you.
By joining our community, you agree to uphold these guidelines and contribute to an environment where every member feels seen, respected, and safe.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
What We Ask of Every Member
01
Lead with compassion
Every woman in this space is carrying something real and painful. Approach every interaction with kindness and without judgement. You do not need to agree with someone's choices to hold space for their pain.
02
Protect confidentiality — always
What is shared in this community stays in this community. You must never share, screenshot, copy, or discuss another member's story, name, or personal information outside of this space. This is non-negotiable and a condition of your membership.
03
Respect lived experience
Every mother's journey is different. Avoid comparing pain, minimising experiences, or suggesting that one situation is harder or more valid than another. All experiences of separation and grief are real and worthy of acknowledgement.
04
Use language with care
Please be mindful of how you express yourself. Avoid language that could be triggering, shaming, or distressing to others. If you are unsure, err on the side of gentleness.
05
This is not a legal advice space
While members may share their own legal experiences, this community is not a place for legal advice. Please do not ask for or provide specific legal guidance. Refer members to qualified legal professionals for individual legal questions.
06
Support — not diagnosis
Please do not offer psychological diagnoses, medical opinions, or mental health labels about other members or about the other parties in their situations. We can hold space and offer support without diagnosing or advising.
07
Honour Section 121
Be mindful of what you share about your own family law proceedings. Avoid naming children, other parties, or including details that could identify those involved in proceedings. You are responsible for your own compliance with Section 121 of the Family Law Act 1975.
08
No self-promotion or solicitation
This is not a space for advertising, selling products or services, promoting other groups, or soliciting business of any kind. If you are a professional wishing to contribute, please contact us directly first.
What We Will Not Tolerate
Harmful, abusive, or aggressive behaviour
Any behaviour that is aggressive, threatening, abusive, or deliberately harmful to another member will result in immediate removal from the community.
Breaching confidentiality
Sharing another member's story, identity, or personal information outside this community — in any form — will result in immediate and permanent removal.
Misinformation or harmful content
Sharing deliberately false information, harmful advice, or content that could put members at risk will not be permitted.
Content that targets or identifies other parties
While you are welcome to share your own experience, content that names, identifies, or targets other parties — including the other parent, family members, or legal representatives — is not permitted.
Reporting Concerns
If you see something in the community that concerns you, or if you have experienced something that doesn't feel right, please contact us immediately. We take all concerns seriously and will respond with care and discretion.
Community concerns: hello@mummabearsrising.com
All reports are treated confidentially
THANK YOU!
With love,
