1 in 4 Women in Events Reported Sexual Assault: What’s Next?
It’s a chilling statistic: 1 in 4 women working in events have reported sexual assault, according to a 2023 NOWIE study. For an industry built on connection and community, this is unacceptable. But here’s the thing—community groups, cultural associations, and non-profits are uniquely positioned to drive real change. Why? Because they’re smaller, more agile, and often built on trust.
So, what can you do if you’re running community events? Let’s focus on solutions.
Start With an Anti-Harassment Policy (But Don’t Stop There)
Every event needs a clear, visible anti-harassment policy. This isn’t just a formality. It’s a signal to attendees that your event is a safe space. Outline what behavior is unacceptable, how attendees can report issues, and what steps you’ll take if someone violates the policy.
How to Create an Effective Policy
- Define unacceptable behavior clearly: Examples include unwanted physical contact, inappropriate comments, stalking, and verbal abuse.
- Include reporting procedures: Specify who attendees should contact, how to reach them (e.g., phone number, email, or a designated table at the event), and what to expect after reporting.
- Outline consequences: Clearly state the actions you’ll take for violations, such as removal from the event or a ban from future events.
Make Your Policy Accessible
Policies only work if people are aware of them.
- Print them on tickets or event programs.
- Include them in pre-event emails.
- Post them prominently on your website and at the venue.
Platforms like CommunityTix can help. Their RSVP and ticketing system allows you to include custom messages and links, so attendees know what to expect before they even arrive. Their built-in confirmation emails ensure everyone gets the memo.
Rethink Event Design for Safety
Does your venue layout prioritize safety? It’s easy to focus on aesthetics or logistics, but safety should be a top priority. A poorly designed space can create opportunities for harassment or make it harder for victims to seek help.
Steps to Design a Safer Event Space
- Ensure visibility: Avoid creating hidden or isolated areas where harassment could occur unnoticed.
- Provide adequate lighting: Well-lit spaces deter harmful behavior. Pay extra attention to parking lots, restrooms, and outdoor areas.
- Place volunteers strategically: Position volunteers or staff in high-traffic or potentially vulnerable areas like exits and stairwells.
- Identify safe zones: Create clearly marked areas where attendees can go if they feel unsafe. Ensure these zones are staffed by trained volunteers.
Tools to Simplify Planning
Creating a detailed event plan can make all the difference. CommunityTix’s event management tools allow you to:
- Upload floor plans directly into the system.
- Assign volunteers to specific areas based on the plan.
- Monitor attendee capacity in real time, preventing overcrowding.
Use RSVP Systems to Track Attendance
Why do RSVP systems matter for safety? They provide transparency and accountability. Knowing who is attending helps allocate resources effectively and enables follow-up if an issue arises.
Practical Safety Benefits of RSVP Systems
- Capacity control: Prevent overcrowding by monitoring guest counts in real time.
- Contact tracing: Collect attendee details (e.g., phone numbers or email addresses) to follow up if incidents occur.
- Accountability: Knowing who is at your event discourages bad behavior and can help identify individuals if an issue arises.
CommunityTix’s RSVP management feature makes this process straightforward. You can require attendees to provide contact information during registration and even set capacity limits tailored to your venue.
Offer Anonymous Reporting Options
One reason harassment often goes unreported is fear of retaliation. Providing anonymous reporting tools lowers the barrier for victims to come forward.
How to Implement Anonymous Reporting
- Online forms: Create a form on your event website that allows attendees to report incidents anonymously.
- Physical dropboxes: Place secure boxes at the venue where attendees can leave written reports.
- Dedicated contact: Offer a phone line or email address monitored by a trusted individual for confidential reports.
CommunityTix simplifies this process by providing customizable website content blocks. Use these to create and promote anonymous reporting forms on your branded subdomain. Include links to these forms in pre-event and post-event communications to encourage their use.
Invest in Volunteer Training
Your volunteers are your first line of defense. They’re on the ground, interacting with attendees and monitoring the event. But they can’t act effectively without proper training.
Key Areas to Cover in Volunteer Training
- Recognizing harassment: Teach volunteers how to identify signs of harassment or distress.
- De-escalation techniques: Provide guidance on how to calmly manage tense situations.
- Reporting protocols: Ensure volunteers know the steps for documenting and escalating incidents.
- Supporting victims: Train volunteers to respond empathetically and confidentially.
How to Train Volunteers on a Budget
- Host a pre-event training session using free resources such as those from NOWIE or anti-harassment organizations.
- Create a simple training guide or video that outlines key points.
- If possible, invite an expert to provide a short workshop.
Data Transparency Builds Trust
Reputation is everything for community groups. How you handle incidents of harassment speaks volumes to your attendees. Transparency about your safety policies and how you address issues can build trust and encourage people to return.
Steps to Build Transparency
- Publicize your efforts: Share updates about your safety policies and any improvements you’re making.
- Keep records: Use tools like CommunityTix to track attendance, incidents, and follow-ups. Analyze patterns and adapt your policies as needed.
- Communicate with attendees: After an event, share anonymized data about reported incidents and how they were handled (e.g., "We received two reports of harassment, and both were addressed promptly per our policy.").
Being open about your commitment to safety shows you value your community and are taking action to protect it.
Common Objections (and Why They Don’t Hold Up)
“We’re too small to worry about this.”
Small events are not immune to harassment. In fact, their intimate nature can sometimes make it harder for victims to speak up. Being small is actually an advantage because you can implement changes faster and set a strong precedent for safety.
“We don’t have the budget for extra safety measures.”
You don’t need a big budget to make an impact. Many fixes—like creating an anti-harassment policy or sending pre-event emails—cost nothing but time. Free tools and resources, like NOWIE templates or CommunityTix’s built-in features, can help.
“It’s never happened at our events before.”
That doesn’t mean it won’t. And if it does, you’ll want to be prepared. Prevention is always cheaper (and more ethical) than damage control.
FAQ
1. What if someone accuses a volunteer of harassment?
Have a clear protocol in place. Temporarily remove the volunteer from their role while investigating the claim. Ensure the victim feels supported and respected throughout the process. Document everything thoroughly.
2. How do I create an anti-harassment policy?
Leverage templates from organizations like NOWIE or RAINN. Adapt them to your event’s size and structure. Include input from your team to ensure buy-in.
3. How can I encourage attendees to report incidents?
Make reporting easy and safe. Offer multiple methods, such as anonymous online forms and approachable, designated staff members.
4. What should I do if an incident occurs?
Act immediately. Listen to the victim without judgment, document the incident, and follow the steps outlined in your policy. If necessary, involve local authorities.
5. How can CommunityTix help?
CommunityTix simplifies attendee tracking, lets you communicate policies effectively, and provides tools to monitor and manage event safety in one place.
Final Thoughts
1 in 4 is a staggering number. But it’s also a call to action. Community groups have the power to set new standards for safety and inclusivity in events. It starts with policies, training, and the right tools to back them up.
If you’re ready to take the first step, CommunityTix can help. From RSVP management to secure attendee tracking, it’s built to empower safe, inclusive events. Get started free →
