SafeVibe is a movement for everyone who wants to keep predators out of the bars and put an end to sexual assault. A campaign by the Vancouver organization WAVAW (Women Against Violence Against Women), the SafeVibe community is made up of all genders and sexual orientations who are committed to keeping the party scene safe. Hello Cool World helped design SafeVibe and are hosting it in our "nestwork" of campaign sites. We continue to do whatever we can to help get the word out, such as this interview with SafeVibe Coordinator Michele Murphy!
HCW: Explain the evolution of the SafeVibe Campaign.
SV: The campaign really began with what women were telling us. We know in 2009 that 37% of our hospital accompaniments here at WAVAW were drug and alcohol facilitated sexual assault. This has been a consistent problem that is on the rise instead of a decline. We were seeing that drink spiking, predatory behavior and harassment in bars are a huge problem in Vancouver and the idea for the campaign started to grow.
HCW: Can you tell me about the connection with violence against women and the Winter Games?
SV: The launch of the campaign during the Olympics is very purposeful. We know from previous Olympics including the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City that we can expect an influx of visitors and significant rise in violence against women. The Olympics Games are heavily marketing the “party scene” without making any efforts to acknowledge the reality of sexual assault. None of the security budget for the Olympics is being allocated for Women’s security and safety, so it becomes even more important that we take care of each other.
HCW: Are there steps that women can take to protect themselves, or is this about something bigger?
SV: Of course we want to raise awareness about increased personal safety and there are many things that women can do. Strategies include being with friends, protecting your drink and never leaving your drink unattended. But these tactics aren’t new. SafeVibe has a larger reach. Ensuring safety and ending sexual assault is everyone’s business. As bystanders in bars, clubs or parties, including men and women, we all have the power to intervene and prevent sexual assault before it happens. This means staying aware, looking out for your friends, and if you are not safe to intervene, finding somebody that can help – text or call a friend and ask a bartender for assistance. Don’t look the other way and don’t remain silent because that’s what predators want you to do.
HCW: Since ending sexual assault is everyone’s business, what role do men play in the SafeVibe Campaign?
SV: We are all in this together and men are a huge part of SafeVibe. Men in previous campaigns have often been identified as the perpetrator, but we want to break that stereotype and say there is another role for men to have. Men can be empowered, compassionate allies and are a huge part of the solution. This includes speaking up against alcohol related sexual assault and taking action when they see something happening. Currently there is a climate of fear surrounding the fact there are people lurking in bars trying to spike drinks or preying on women who are intoxicated. These predators need to know they are being watched.
HCW: What does a safe party scene look like to you?
SV: First of all, SafeVibe aims to remove feelings shame, victim blaming, and the idea that there is something we need to be afraid of all the time. Yes there are dangers, but everyone has a right to go out and have a good time and to do that comfortably. A safe party environment is one where everyone is looking out for each other. When that happens, it creates an atmosphere where predators aren’t welcome. We need to take back our right to have a place to party safely, and we need to create a community to support that vision.
We also need to support victims of alcohol or substance related assault. You are not alone if this happens to you. There is a supportive community and services available if this happens to you or a friend. Contact WAVAW through the SafeVibe website.
HCW: What are the next steps people can take to get involved in the SafeVibe Campaign?
SV: Head to our website at www.SafeVibe.com, fill out the survey, sign up for the mailing list and let us know if you want to volunteer. All of our materials are on our website, available to be printed out and distributed in your community. We want bar, clubs and restaurant owners to partner with us and carry our coasters. We need everyone’s help to raise awareness of a really important issue and create a space to party safely.
Michele Murphy talks about SafeVibe in the video below from the campaign launch party.
Hailing from the mountain town of Salt Lake City, Utah, Lizzy enjoys picnics, reading on a lazy Sunday morning and adventurous bike rides. After learning about books at the University of Toronto she now calls Vancouver home. She joined Hello Cool World as a member of the LACE campaign action team, and luckily for us, decided to stick around.
Hailing from the mountain town of Salt Lake City, Utah, Lizzy enjoys picnics, reading on a lazy Sunday morning and adventurous bike rides. After learning about books at the University of Toronto she now calls Vancouver home. She joined Hello Cool World as a member of the LACE campaign action team, and luckily for us, decided to stick around.
