Photo By Roger Ho
Every year, countless music fans eagerly come to festivals such as ACL to revel in the electrifying combination of incredible music and the vibrant energy of the crowd. However, many are unaware of the troubling reality that sexual harassment and violence are pervasive issues within the live music festival scene.
We have the power to change this narrative. Collectively, we can foster a culture rooted in respect and inclusivity for all. The SAFE Alliance is excited to partner with ACL and will be on-site at the SAFE & Sound lounge to provide support, resources, and a safe space to festival attendees who have experienced, seen, or been exposed to any kind of harassment or violence during the festival.
Please take a moment to read this safety information and recommendations.
ACL Enforces a Strict No Harassment Policy
If You Ever Feel Harassed or Threatened, Please Notify ACL Staff
Harassment includes but is not limited to stalking, intimidating actions, offensive comments, physical assault, unauthorized photography or recording, bathroom monitoring, unwanted physical contact, intrusive attention and more.
Safety Recommendations
Hold each other accountable
Be an upstander, not a bystander
Practice active consent
Know where your nearest wellness services are
ACL will have water refill stations throughout the festival, a SafeFest tent, a medical tent, Harmonium - Sober Park tent, This Must Be The Place tent, a massage tent, and a SAFE & Sound tent
Be respectful of people's identities, cultures, and cultural practices
Enjoy yourself responsibly and take care of each other
Respect people's personal boundaries
Be courteous
Remember everyone deserves to feel safe
Follow ACL's safety policies
Prevention Strategies for Sexual Harassment and Assault
The 4 Ds below show how to step up and be an upstander. You can use multiple strategies, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Please do not put yourself in immediate physical danger when trying to support another concertgoer. Read about the 4 Ds with examples for each strategy:
Direct: Speak up and address inappropriate comments and behaviors head-on.
"Hey, are you okay?"
"Looks like things are getting intense, do you need help?"
"Back off"
Distract: Get creative and do something to disrupt the situation.
Make up an excuse to help your friend get out of the situation ("Let's go grab something to eat or drink")
"Hey, let's go to the other side to meet the rest of our group"
"I'm not feeling well; can you walk with me to the bathroom?"
"I dropped my phone; can you help me find it?
Delegate: Alert other people and get help from someone who is better equipped to handle the situation.
If you don't know the person, ask someone in their group to check on their friend, as they may need to be made aware of the situation
Ask someone who is physically closer to the situation to assist
Call event staff for help
Delay: If you don't feel comfortable acting in the moment, consider following up later.
Check in with the person later that day or the next day to see how they are feeling
Encourage the person involved to express what they would like to happen next. Keep in mind that they may feel humiliated or disempowered, so offer support and choices. Ask them if they would like to report the incident to event staff and respect their decision. Offer to walk them to the SAFE & Sound tent for extra support and resources.
Image by Wake Forest University
Thank you for reading this safety information and recommendations and doing your part to help create a safer and more respectful festival environment. We wish you a fun and safe festival experience!
In Need of Crisis Support?
If you find yourself in need of Crisis Support due to an act of sexual violence at ACL:
In case of an emergency, call 911 (24/7)
ACL event staff (look for people wearing staff t-shirts)
Confidential SAFEline Hotline (24/7)
Call: 512.267.SAFE (7233)
Text: 737.888.SAFE (7233)
Chat: safeaustin.org/chat
Non-emergency crisis numbers to call (available 24/7)
Confidential SAFEline Hotline (24/7)
Call: 512.267.SAFE (7233)
Text: 737.888.SAFE (7233)
Chat: safeaustin.org/chat
National Sexual Assault Hotline 1.800.656.4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.7233 or TTY 1.800.787.3224
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
Additional Credits: every one from Coachella; Calling All Crows’ Here for the Music; and Wake Forrest University.