Task Force To Combat Melbourne Sexual Assault

The state government of Victoria is set to begin an Australian-first trial program in eight music venues to combat sexual assaults and harassment.

A 2012 survey of 230 young women by academic Dr. Bianca Fileborn found that up to 96 percent had experienced or witnessed incidents in bars and clubs, and 80 percent considered it a “common” occurrence.

Many did not report incidents because they were unsure their complaints would be taken seriously. The Victorian government set up a task force two years ago under Dr. Fileborn and Bakehouse Studios co-owner Helen Marcou on how to combat the issue.

Both are members of LISTEN, an active advocacy group set up to discuss problems faced by women in the music industry.

Following a report by the task force, Minister Martin Foley, whose portfolio covers creative arts and social equality, announced Feb. 7 funding was confirmed.

The amount will be firmed initially but is thought to be A$200,000 ($153,473).

Marcou told Pollstar the trial will include a venue training package for staff and security to identity and respond to incidents.

“At the moment, there’s very little knowledge by venues on how to respond and by female patrons on reporting incidents,” Marcou said. There will also be advertising and awareness-raising materials for patrons and venue staff. The government has indicated that venues are expected to contribute financially towards the program. A number of live music venues began their own training and warning posters in the past two years, with some adopting automatic calls to police.

Marcou added, “There’s a lot of goodwill from venues and interest in the pilot. It makes sense, creating a safe and inclusive environment for women and the LGBTI community is in their best interests.”

The pilot could also expand to festivals and nightclubs, with plans to ultimately make it an Australia-wide initiative.

This summer at least two major festivals, Falls Festival in Tasmania and Rainbow Serpent in Victoria, reported multiple assaults in moshpits.

A number of festivals set up safe spaces and hotlines for those in distress. The 2017-18 season will see more unveil strategies that could include drones and plainclothes police monitoring moshpits.