Push for safer Falls
Tainted by sex assaults, music festival pledges to boost security
ORGANISERS of the Falls Festival will ramp up security at this year’s event in an effort to reduce the number of sexual assaults and improve crowd safety.
The new security measures come after five reported sexual assaults, including one alleged rape, at the Marion Bay New Year’s Eve music festival in 2016 and another three in 2017.
Tasmania Police last year arrested and charged a 32-yearold man for grabbing a woman’s breast in a mosh pit after he was identified by the victim.
Falls organisers said yesterday they would 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 sexual assault counsellors and provide private consultation spaces within the medical area for victims.
The counsellors will provide immediate crisis care, introduce victims to local support services and guide them through the various processes should they want to engage police.
“Falls has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to danger- ous 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 Ser- vice 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.
“All festival-goers need to understand that they have a responsibility to create a safe festival environment for everyone. Hopefully this will lead to more festivals reviewing what they are doing.”
In previous years, Falls had CCTV cameras monitoring event sites, campgrounds and mosh pits. They also had 24hour security, medical services and a patron safety hotline.
Information about the additional services will be available closer to the event via the Falls Festival website, app and direct patron communications.