Ryan's Gig Guide - August 2018

www.ryansgigguide.com rgg Aug 2018 21 AbiWhistance , front woman of P.E.T – Birmingham’s ‘rising punk balloon’ and a band who play regularly on the local live music cir- cuit, says: “the culture of sexual assault and ag- gression is prevalent in local live music venues, both in the crowds that attend the gigs and the in- dustry that promote them. But we can stop it; we must stop it. If everyone gets behind this message, and starts to tackle sexual aggression head on, I’m confident we’ll start to see some real change and make live music venues across the city a safer place to be.” DCI Sally Simpson , who leads the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, Modern Slavery and SexWork team for West Midlands Police, says:“ We are really pleased NOT NORMAL – NOT OK have approached us to work with them to address sexual harassment and abuse within the live music scene in Birmingham. No one should be subjected to abusive behaviour and I would strongly urge victims to report directly to us, or via Crimestoppers .We take all reports of sex- ual abuse seriously and will work with survivors, help get them the support they need, and work with them to bring offenders to justice.”  www.notnormalnotok.com Next time you are at a live music venue or event, please wear a NOT NORMAL – NOT OK sticker and show the perpetrators of sexual assault and aggression that their actions will not be tolerated. Support, help & advice If you have been a victim of sexual assault, or if you are suf- fering from sexual aggression or misconduct, you can seek help and advice though the following support networks: Rape & Sexual Violence Project (RSVP) www.rsvporg.co.uk Email: info@rsvporg.co.uk Helpline: 0121 643 4136 West Midlands Police (General) Telephone: 101 Email: contactus@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk Crimestoppers www.crimestoppers-uk.org Anonymous telephone: 0800 555 111 (open 24/7)