Good Night Out Vancouver is launching a pilot project named “Last Call” in partnership with the City of Vancouver and reporting app #NotMe. Its undeniable that sexual assault and harassment are all too common in the nightlife scene all around the globe. This project aims to challenge that, which includes having staff trained in sexual violence prevention training.
Eight to 10 businesses will get sexual violence prevention training for their staff, new policies, reporting infrastructure and data collection. By March 2024 – a year after the project launches – a single business will be selected for an award.
Good Night Out Vancouver, or GNO (as it’s often referenced) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2015 by Ashtyn Bevan and Bass Coast’s Harm Reduction Manager Stacey Forrester. Stacey has been in her role at Bass Coast Music Festival since April 2011. In 2018, GNO had launched a two-month text reporting pilot program thanks funds from the grant they received that same year from the UBC Centre for Community Engaged Learning. That project is no longer happening, however, there are GNO volunteers that regularly patrol Granville Street as part of the Granville Street Team.
The work for the Last Call project actually started back in 2019, after Vancouver City Council passed a motion asking staff to explore options to address the increased violence that had been occurring in the hospitality and service industry. Unfortunately with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic the “Last Call” project was put on hold. But now it’s back! Check out the project timeline below and read the “Last Call Info Deck” here.
Project Timeline pulled from the Last Call Info Deck
What do the selected businesses get out of the pilot? Free staff training for Sexual Violence prevention, a free subscription to the #NotMe reporting platform. A win-win for businesses and patrons alike! If you’re a patron visiting one of the selected establishments, all you have to do is download the #NotMe app before visiting. If any safety concerns arise, or if you have a negative experience, make a report through the app. You have the option of making a report completely anonymous or sharing your name.
The “Last Call” virtual info session took place on February 27. Are you a business that missed the virtual info session? Don’t worry, applications are still open for businesses to apply here.
Are there any establishments that you would like to see taking part in the “Last Call” pilot project? Let us know on our socials and in the comments below.
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