Prevention of sexual violence in Ljubljana nightlife venues

• In Event: Rape and sexual assault

Abstract

Effective prevention of sexual violence is challenging, especially when trying to implement preventive measures in nightlife venues. The environmental characteristics of nightlife venues, including norms of acceptable behaviour, stereotypes, poor lighting, loud music, and the consumption of alcohol and drugs, make it even more difficult. Nightlife should be about having fun, not having a constant fear of victimisation. We cannot deny that sexual violence occurs in different forms and to different degrees in practically all nightlife areas. So the question was: what has been done to prevent sexual violence and where are the opportunities to make nightlife safer? The purpose of this contribution is to present the results of a survey on sexual violence in nightlife areas in Ljubljana, the largest urban area in Slovenia with the most nightlife activities. In our survey, we conducted interviews, round tables and focus groups with 135 stakeholders involved in the nightlife. We found that some activities had already been carried out, particularly at the city level, such as city regulation of the operation of nightlife venues and the inclusion of sexual violence prevention in city action plans and strategies, as well as NGO awareness-raising. The latter has had the greatest impact as they have carried out the most awareness-raising activities, aimed at reaching the target population. The most recent awareness raising of stalking was carried out through social media. Other areas such as safe participation in nightlife, careful alcohol consumption and empowerment of staff were highlighted as potential areas for implementing prevention activities. It was pointed out that increasing the presence of security staff, police visibility in nightlife venues and eliminating blind spots in bars can reduce opportunities, but should be implemented carefully as these measures can have the opposite effect of over-controlling and making people feel uncountable.

Authors

• Katja Eman, Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor

• Tinkara Bulovec, City of Ljubljana, Municipal Constabulary Department