AIF has partnered with LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop and anti-spiking charity Stamp Out Spiking to bolster its Safer Spaces Charter.

Galop works with LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence, specialising in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, so-called ‘conversion therapy’, and other forms of interpersonal abuse. Galop is run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people.

Stamp Out Spiking was established to tackle increasing incidents of spiking across the UK and worldwide. Founded by a team with professional experience in alcohol and drug awareness workshops, concentrating on welfare of young people, the charity exists to highlight the dangers of spiking, and offer effective and practical solutions to keep people safe in pubs, clubs, house parties, festivals and beyond.

The partnerships have contributed to new Safer Spaces resources that directly addresses the needs of LGBT+ survivors of abuse, and the broader issue of spiking.

Both charities will supply practical training and resources to promote best practice among staff at AIF member festivals.

AIF’s member resource area can be found here.

Originally launched in May 2017, AIF’s Safer Spaces campaign sees festivals commit to a charter of best practice developed with input and guidance from a range of expert charities including Rape Crisis England And Wales, Good Night Out, Safe Gigs For Women, Girls Against and UN Women.

The Safer Spaces Charter states that all allegations of sexual harassment, assault and violence will be taken seriously, acted upon promptly and investigated at AIF member festivals. This is supplemented by a commitment to clear, robust reporting and disclosure procedures, including how to report incidents onsite and post event.

A list of current Charter signatories can be found here. The Charter remains open to new sign-ups on an ongoing basis.

Amy Roch, Deputy CEO of Galop, said: “We’re so pleased to see the AIF Safer Spaces Charter actively working towards an inclusive and safe environment for LGBT+ festival-goers. By including LGBT+ survivors in the AIF Charter, AIF is sending a powerful message that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, and that LGBT+ specialised support is available to those who need it. We are proud to have worked with AIF to raise awareness of LGBT+ experiences of sexual violence and to promote inclusive safety in their festivals across the country.”

Dawn Dines, CEO and Founder of Stamp Out Spiking, said “We’re delighted to join forces on our mission to stamp out spiking with the Association of Independent Festivals. Working together will make such a difference in safeguarding men and women at festivals across the UK. Highlighting how these cowardly crimes are taking place, sharing key information on the typical signs and symptoms, will make it so much more difficult for perpetrators and ultimately safeguard festival goers.”

AIF Membership & Operations Coordinator, Phoebe Rodwell-Carson, said: “I am so glad we have partnered with both Galop and Stamp Out Spiking for our Safer Spaces campaign. It’s important for AIF to work towards creating safer and more inclusive spaces for everyone, and work with those who provide specialised support. It’s great to have so many festivals signed up to the campaign. We hope to build on this with as many festival organisers as possible, supporting them in upholding their duty of care towards music fans and festival staff, whilst ensuring we remain inclusive and open to all.”