Nine Victorian live music venues are taking part in a 12-week trial that has been launched to put an end to sexual assault and harassment at gigs.
As ABC reports, staff will be trained to recognise and respond to inappropriate behaviour; if the trial is successful, the program will be taken state-wide.
"We're hearing from the live music industry that it is an issue and it's certainly something that we want to tackle head on," Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Marlene Kairouz, said.
The venues set to take part in the trial include:
- The Corner Hotel, Richmond
- Howler, Brunswick
- Revolver Upstairs, Prahran
- The Toff in Town, CBD
- The Gasometer, Collingwood
- The Croxton Bandroom, Thornbury
- The Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights
- The Workers Club, Geelong
- Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Victoria Police Senior Sergeant Brett Meadows has backed the trial.
"A lot of this stuff's not reported," he said.
"People can be walking through venues, they'll be groped, they spin around, they don't know who it was.
"They don't see the point in reporting it. Others are embarrassed by it. So most of the time it's just not reported, which is why this particular project is so good.
"Let's get them kicked out, let's identify them, let's make them accountable for what they've done."
