Looking forward to the CRiVA event today on their research into sexual violence at music festivals

Looking forward to catching up with the latest research on sexual violence at music festivals and what we can do to prevent it, at today's CRiVA conference. Part of my role as adviser on safety in night time economy and chairing safety & access for Bristol Nights

We are delighted to be attending CRiVA conference this morning on sexual violence at UK Music Festivals. Looking forward to learning more about how we can eliminate sexual violence in the Irish music and nightlife scene 🙌 #SafeGigsIreland

" I reached out my hand and asked somebody to help me up, and I got four hands deciding not to help me up to instead grope me." #SVAFconf

Not much data on crimes at festivals. One survey was conducted by insurer Aviva so needs to be taken as biased but even so, we know that crime happens at festivals but sexual violence is seen as a separate issue as crime really seen as theft. #SVAFconf

Interesting findings included that women felt safer in a group of women but for men, being in a group of men made them feel less safe. #SVAFConf

Spaces were patrons felt unsafe: Camp sites Toilets Woodland Walkways between camping and festival stage areas Physical violence Sexual assault/sexuakl harassment/sexual violence (men generally concerned for their female friends/partners ) #SVAFconf

Incredibly saddening to hear the first-hand accounts of sexual assault and harassment from women at festivals. These issues are structural and require immediate and transformative change from the festival sector to protect attendees. #SVAFconf

Also sad to hear of the acceptance and normalisation of sexual harassment and assault as part of festival life. Women should not have to 'brush it off' 'become immune to it' 'expect it' #SVAFconf

Starting in 2016, @safegigs4women started attending gigs and festivals to raise awareness and push for change. Initial excitement at this work quickly depleted as many festivals had closed doors and didn’t want to engage in this work or recognise sexual violence #SVAFconf

Venues can’t exist without gig goers - it makes economical sense, if nothing else, for venues to take this seriously because people want to know they are attending events where safety is a priority. It’s good morally and economically! @safegigs4women #SVAFconf

There are other fantastic organisations doing work in this industry too including Girls Against White Ribbon UK ans many others

On the one hand some festivals are opening up to talking about sexual violence and doing work in this area but this doesn’t necessarily extend to performers who might be performing songs with VAW lyrics while at same time festival taking stance against sexual violence #SVAFconf

Fantastic event today! Thanks so much to @snappyalligator Phillip Wadds and Tracey Wise #fairpayfornursing from @safegigs4women for presenting and to everyone who attended! ❤️

Turn off the news. Your mental health is more important.

Harry Cole And yet telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/12/1…

The @Commonswomequ is accepting evidence for their inquiry into misogyny and sexism in the music industry. Please consider submitting and share with your networks: x.com/Commonswomequ/…