Leadership / 05.18.22

100-Plus U.K. Festivals Commit to Tackling Sexual Violence

Access Staff

Pollstar (05/16/22) Gottfried, Gideon

A majority of Britain's leading major and independent festivals have committed to the Association of Independent Festivals' (AIF) Safer Spaces At Festivals campaign, whose goal is to address sexual violence at events. Promoters of 105 U.K. festivals have so far signed the campaign's charter, which pledges that all allegations of sexual harassment, assault and violence will be seriously considered, acted upon swiftly and investigated. "This is supplemented by a commitment to clear, robust reporting and disclosure procedures, including how to report incidents onsite and post event," states an AIF-issued press release. Festival policies will highlight relevant health guidance and links to local services, and the campaign will promote advice on being an active bystander, including the "5 D's" of Bystander Intervention devised by Right To Be (Direct, Delegate, Distract, Document and Delay). Participating fests will also promote the principle of consent regarding sexual activity onsite, describing consent as "someone engaging in sexual activity if they agree by choice, and they have the freedom and capacity to make that choice," and reiterating that it can be rescinded at any time. "The original Safer Spaces campaign has had a positive impact across festivals for music fans and festival staff alike," said AIF Membership & Operations Coordinator Phoebe Rodwell. "Festivals are microcosms of society and sexual violence is a problem that persists in our society. Our understanding and approaches to tackling the issue are evolving all the time. That's why it's important that we renew the Safer Spaces campaign in 2022 with up-to-date messaging, resources and practices, to prevent sexual violence and promote a survivor-led approach, helping festival organizers to fulfill their duty of care at events."

Read the full story at Pollstar. 

Tags: Leadership , UK Festivals , Association of Independent Festivals