Campaign: ‘Safer Spaces at Festivals’
- Creators: Association of Independent Festivals UK, Festival Safe
- Initiated in: 2017/2022
- Keywords: sexual violence, harassment, assault, bystander behaviour, reporting, safety
Please note: The following text discusses sexual harassment and sexual violence and may be distressing for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
The Association of Independent Festivals initiated its ‘Safer Spaces At Festivals’ campaign and charter of best practice originally in 2017 in order to tackle sexual violence, harassment and assault at festivals. In May 2022 it was relaunched together with Rape Crisis England and Wales, Good Night Out, Safe Gigs for Women, Girls Against and UN Women.
With more than 100 festivals endorsing the charter, it asserts a commitment to treating all reports of sexual harassment, assault, and violence seriously, ensuring swift action and thorough investigations. Everyone attending, whether party-goers, staff, or performers, has a role to play in fostering a festival environment where every individual’s experience is valued, and no one feels uncomfortable.
The Safer Spaces campaign also encourages festival goers to be active bystanders and gives a clear five-step programme on how to act if someone witnesses something alarming. It also explains how to create a culture of respect and how to act if someone has been spiked. “Even if someone has been consensually taking alcohol or other drugs, spiking is never OK and never the victim’s fault. All blame and shame lies with the perpetrator,” the website reads.
Additionally, issues when reporting drug-facilitated sexual assault are discussed as well as general reporting issues at festivals. Both the Safer Spaces website and the AIF website include many useful links and other materials.