“Everyone should feel welcome and safe at the ESC”

The ESC is supposed to be a peaceful, joyful, unifying mega-event for the entire region. Why do we still need an awareness concept?

Sonja Roest: It is not yet standard practice for the public, staff and helpers at major events to be made aware of border crossings. Nor is it standard for those affected to be offered low-threshold, professional support around the clock and on site. If a large number of people, late nights and alcohol consumption are expected, a high number of suspected victims must also be expected. These victims are all entitled to support under the national Victim Assistance Act, regardless of whether they make a report. That is our message. In cases of sexualized violence in particular, we know that victims almost never turn to the police and that contacting victim support can be overwhelming. For this reason, we have worked to ensure that a comprehensive prevention and support concept can be implemented during ESC 2025 that is low-threshold and victim-centered.

What measures are the organizers taking to prevent and counter possible border violations and discrimination? What tasks should Victim Support beider Basel take on at the ESC?

We – the Violence Protection and Victim Support Unit and the Equality and Diversity Department – are working on the following measures: During the entire ESC from May 10 to 19, Opferhilfe beider Basel will operate a 24-hour hotline, together with the Dargebotene Hand. All venues will have Safer Spaces with professional support from Victim Support and helpers. And mobile awareness teams will be out and about in public spaces and sometimes also inside the venues. Our partner here is “Taktvoll Sicherheitskultur” from Bern. The teams can defuse conflicts and refer those affected to the Safer Space. We define an action plan to ensure that these measures and, above all, the collaboration processes work well. And we are training a large proportion of those involved in the areas of security, catering, tourism and volunteering through “Nachtsam” [www .nachtsam.info]. The federal government supports us financially for this.

What is your message to all visitors and people in the region regarding safety and well-being during the ESC?

Everyone should feel welcome and safe at the ESC. However, if people experience violence, hostility and discrimination, be it sexualized violence, queer hostility, racism, anti-Semitism or ableism [Diskriminierung gegenüber Menschen mit Behinderung und chronischen Erkrankungen], they are all entitled to professional, free support. You can find this at the hotline, the Safer Spaces and the mobile awareness teams. Get in touch. The support services are free of charge, anonymous if you wish, and your needs are always the focus.