Falls sex safety boost
THE organisers of Falls Festival will ramp up security at this year’s event in an effort to reduce the number of sexual assaults and improve safety.
The new security measures, which includes onsite sexual assault counsellors and increased CCTV at its Lorne, Byron Bay and Marion Bay New Year’s Eve events, come after three sexual assaults at Marion Bay last year and re- ports of sexual assaults in the camping area in 2016.
The Falls team yesterday announced they would this year increase the number of CCTV cameras across all festival sites, have more security in the campgrounds and train key event staff in psychological first aid. Organisers will also introduce onsite counsellors and provide private consultation spaces within the medical area for victims.
The counsellors will provide immediate crisis care, intro- duce victims to local support services and guide them through the processes should they want to engage police.
“Falls has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to dangerous and irresponsible behaviours, the safety of our patrons is our foremost concern,” Falls co-producers Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco said.
“We work year-round to bring together incredible events, at some of Australia’s most iconic locations — we want everyone to feel free and safe in our spaces and to leave with great memories.”
Sexual Assault Support Service social policy adviser Holly Mason-White yesterday backed the new safety initiatives.
“Hopefully they will not only help victims report assaults, but also reduce assaults from happening in the first place,” she said.
Information about the additional services will be available closer to the event via the Falls Festival website.