Safe Space Now Open Longer Hours

Local News, By Christian Taylor, 14th January, 2008

ACON’s Anti Violence Project (AVP) is relocating to the new Oxford St Safe Place to help address increasing levels of homophobic violence in the area.

ACON workers and volunteers currently staff the Safe Place only on Friday and Saturday nights. The relocation of the entire AVP from the ACON offices on Commonwealth St to the Safe Place on Oxford St now means that the safe place is open from 3:30pm to 6pm Monday to Friday, as well as 11pm to 5am on Friday and Saturday nights.

“This means members of our community now have more opportunities to report incidents of homophobic abuse, harassment and assault as well as contribute new ideas for preventing and addressing homophobic violence,” says ACON CEO Stevie Clayton.

“We’re also making a submission to the NSW Ombudsman over the lack of action from police against homophobic violence in the Oxford St precinct and we’re encouraging anyone who has had unsatisfactory dealings with the Surry Hills police or who were victims or witnesses of homophobic violence in the Oxford St area over the last six months to come into the Safe Place and share their stories with us.”

Stevie says that she can’t stress enough the importance of reporting homophobia.

“[If things go unreported] the stats are a lot lower than they should be which in turn diminishes the need for action to be taken by the relevant authorities. To help us improve security, we need people to report these kind of incidents and get them on the record.”

In addition to taking reports and suggestions, staff will help victims of homophobic violence access emergency services, look after them while they’re waiting for assistance and provide referrals to relevant support services.

So where is it? 60 Oxford St, opposite the Midnight Shift. Reports can also be made to the AVP by calling (02) 9206 2116 or emailing avp@acon.org.au. If you experience homophobic abuse or violence, you should call 000. Otherwise call the NSW Police Switchboard on 02 9281 0000 and ask for a Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer.

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