103 UK festivals have signed up to a campaign aiming to tackle sexual violence at festivals and large-scale events.
The Safer Spaces campaign, originally launched in 2017, is being spearheaded by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), and has now relaunched with a renewed charter of best practice, developed with experts at organisations such as Girls Against, Good Night Out, Rape Crisis England & Wales, Safe Gigs For Women and UN Women.
The campaign’s charter has been put together with a survivor-led approach, and includes guidance on issues such as how to report incidents at an event; how to handle reported allegations of sexual harassment, assault and violence; and how to promote the act of seeking consent before and during sex.
In a statement, AIF Membership & Operations Coordinator Phoebe Rodwell said: "The original Safer Spaces campaign has had a positive impact across festivals for music fans and festival staff alike. 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 organisers to fulfil their duty of care at events."
The Great Escape, Boomtown Fair, Parklife, Lost Village and Love Saves The Day are among the UK festivals to have signed up to the AIF’s campaign to date. You can find out more about it here.
