New Group Looking To Stamp Out Harassment, Assault & More At WA Venues

Newly established advocacy group Safer Venues WA has unveiled “alarming statistics” surrounding harassment, intimidation, discrimination and assault in WA venues.

The new organisation – which aims to “improve the standards of inclusivity and safety in Perth’s music and entertainment spaces” – released its findings from a survey in August 2017, which show widespread and ongoing occurrences of harassment and assault within WA’s live music venues.

550 punters took part in the survey, with 67.5% of those stating they had experienced harassment in a WA venue - 80.26% of which were female. Also alarming were the findings that 34.77% of respondents had experienced violence at least once.

Here are some more key results from the survey:

• More than 2 in 3 (or 1 in 2) have experienced unwarranted sexual comments. 
• More than 1 in 30 experience unwarranted sexual comments at every gig.
• More than 2 in 3 (or 1 in 2) have experienced non-consensual touching.
• More than 3 in 5 have experienced intimidation at a gig.

With nearly half of those involved such incidents leaving the venue after it occurred and only 32.3% reporting it, Safer Venues WA is looking to use their findings to shine a spotlight on the issue and spur change, working alongside venues, punters, artists and the industry.

Head to Safer Venues WA Facebook for the full report and other info.