HARASSERS at live music gigs will face the music under a new program aimed at preventing sexual harassment and assault at music venues.
The Chelsea Heights Hotel is one of nine venues across Victoria to sign up to a state government-backed trial to stop harassment and assault at gigs.
Signs and posters will be displayed at the venue from late April and staff will be trained to have a gig guide to deal with harassment of patrons.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy live music without fear of sexual harassment or assault,” Local Government Minister Marlene Kairouz said.
“This ground-breaking program will enable staff and patrons to step in and better respond to sexual harassment when it happens, and to prevent it from happening in the first place.”
Victoria Police, government agencies, academics and the licensed venues themselves oversaw the program’s development.
The trial will run for 12 weeks and will be evaluated for further rollout across the state.
The other venues taking part in the Sexual Harassment and Assault in Licensed Live Music Venues Pilot Program are Brunswick’s Howler, Prahran’s Revolver Upstairs, Richmond’s The Corner Hotel, Melbourne’s The Toff in Town, Collingwood’s The Gasometer, Thornbury’s The Croxton Bandroom, Geelong’s The Workers Club and Ballarat’s Karova Lounge.
“We’re working with leaders in our music industry to make our creative spaces safe for all Victorians,” Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley said.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to help curb sexual harassment – staff at these venues are trained to respond quickly to these issues, so if you’re at a gig and you see something, say something.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 28 March 2018
