Safe Night Out campaign to combat sexual harassment in Geelong nightclubs

An alarming number of people say they’ve been sexually harassed while on a night out in Geelong, with perpetrators to be banned under a new campaign launching in the city.

An alarming number of people say they've been sexually harassed at a Geelong nightclub.

Alarming research has revealed more than 50 per cent of females have been sexually harassed on a night out in Geelong, as perpetrators face bans under a new push to stamp out the inappropriate behaviour.

New research, led by Deakin University’s Professor Peter Miller and conducted in 2023, found more than half of females (55.6 per cent) and 31.7 of males had experienced sexual harassment while in the a night-life setting in Geelong in the past three months.

“Those numbers are alarmingly high,” Prof Miller said.

Professor Peter Miller is a violence prevention and addiction studies professor at the School of Psychology, Deakin University.

A new campaign, Safe Night Out, will be launched on Friday by Deakin, Victoria Police, the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre and local venue operators.

The campaign aims to increase awareness around sexual harassment and unacceptable behaviour in Geelong’s night life venues.

As part of the campaign, which will be rolled out during the next 12 months, there will be a new process for how those acting inappropriately inside clubs are dealt with.

Those accused of sexual harassment in the first instance will be warned by the venue’s staff and security.

However, if they do not improve their behaviour, they will be removed from the club and placed on a three month ban from several venues across Geelong.

Police will also be notified of the ban.

More serious behaviour or repeat offenders could be banned for up to 12 months.

The campaign is based off evidence from around the world on the best ways to improve safety in night-life venues.

“This campaign will see police work with venues in the Geelong area to implement an agreed process that aims to disrupt inappropriate behaviour and deter people from acting inappropriately,” Prof Miller said.

“Our aim is to create a safe and fun night-life environment in Geelong.

“We believe it is time for a more sophisticated response to ensuring a fun night out, and that no person should have to have their night ruined by sexual harassment.”

Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre chief executive Helen Bolton said everyone had the right to feel safe and respected at all times and in all spaces.

“Sexual violence is never ok and is never the responsibility of the victim,” she said.

“This campaign is focused on highlighting this issue to the community, working together to make Geelong a safe space, and to reinforce that stopping sexual violence is a whole of community issue.”

If you need help, contact the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre on 5222 4318.

Originally published as Safe Night Out campaign to combat sexual harassment in Geelong nightclubs