A major new study from Deakin University has identified specific environmental factors within Geelong's nightlife that significantly increase the risk of sexual harm, calling for urgent industry-wide safety reforms.
Key Findings from the Geelong Nightlife Study
The research, led by Associate Professor Bianca Fileborn from Deakin's Centre for Social and Cultural Research, involved in-depth interviews with 18 participants, including venue staff, security personnel, and patrons. The study pinpointed that dark, loud, and excessively crowded licensed venues in Geelong create conditions where sexual harassment and assault are more likely to occur and go unchallenged.
Participants consistently reported that poor lighting, deafening music, and packed spaces facilitated predatory behaviour. These conditions not only make it easier for perpetrators to act but also harder for victims to identify their assailants, seek help, or for bystanders and staff to intervene effectively.
The study also highlighted a critical gap in staff training, particularly among security personnel. While some staff demonstrated proactive approaches to identifying and managing risky situations, many lacked formal, specialised training in preventing and responding to sexual harm, often relying on intuition or personal experience instead.
Industry and Community Responses
In response to the study's findings, key figures within Geelong's hospitality sector have acknowledged the need for improvement. John McKeown, president of the Geelong Hospitality Association, confirmed that the issue of patron safety, including sexual harm, is a regular topic of discussion among venue operators. He noted that many businesses are actively working to enhance safety protocols.
Associate Professor Fileborn emphasised that the responsibility for change must be shared. "We really need venues to step up and take responsibility for providing safe environments," she stated. Her recommendations are clear and actionable, urging venues to improve lighting and sound levels, manage crowd density, and implement comprehensive, evidence-based training for all staff on sexual violence prevention and response.
A Call for Proactive Prevention and Cultural Shift
The Deakin research moves beyond just documenting the problem; it advocates for a fundamental shift in how venues operate. The goal is to move from a reactive stance—dealing with incidents after they occur—to a proactive, prevention-focused model that designs safety into the very fabric of the night-time economy.
This study adds to a growing body of evidence calling for safer nightlife spaces across Australia. It provides a localised blueprint for Geelong, suggesting that by addressing simple environmental factors and investing in proper staff education, venues can become leaders in patron safety. The findings present a clear challenge to venue owners, regulators, and the broader community to work together in creating a nightlife culture where sexual harm is not tacitly accepted as an inevitable byproduct of a night out.
The research underscores that safety is not just a compliance issue but a core component of hospitality. As Geelong continues to develop its reputation as a vibrant cultural hub, ensuring the physical and psychological safety of all patrons must be a non-negotiable priority for every venue operating after dark.
