In our favourite common-sense announcement of the day, the Victorian Government has pledged full support to address sexual harassment and sexual assault in live music venues.
The Government has agreed to all recommendations put forward by a taskforce assembled in mid-2015, after LISTEN, SLAM member Helen Marcou, and Dr Bianca Fileborn campaigned for more resources to be invested into addressing the pressing issue.
Hon. Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Arts and Minister for Equality revealed the details of the program on Hack, with key suggestions being the implementation of:
– A venue policy template on identifying and responding to incidents of sexual harassment and assault in live music venues
– A venue training package for the pilot program
– Advertising and awareness-raising materials for patrons and venue staff
– Evaluation of all materials and training
The pilot program will be rolled out across a selection of live music venues in Victoria before the end of the financial year, with venues to be announced soon.
Task force member Katie Pearson told Hack she was proud and excited by the result.“We’re really excited to have the full support the Victorian government and are proud that they’re taking the lead on an important issue that affects such a large part of the music community.
“There’s an enormous appetite from venues and festivals for policy and training to equip them with the frameworks to make their festivals safer and happier places for all punters.”
