Unfortunately, assaults must be expected at events with many visitors. Organizers are called upon to offer safe events. A new information sheet helps them to do this. It summarizes the experiences of ESC Basel 2025 and provides recommendations for specific prevention and support services.
Everyone who organizes an event in the fields of culture, gastronomy or sport has one goal: their events should be as safe as possible for everyone. This is no easy task, as sexualized violence, harassment, discrimination and hostility can also occur at events. Visitors and employees can be affected by this. To prevent this, two things are important: prevention through visible awareness and protection services, and low-threshold support for people who are affected by an assault.
Learning from the pilot project
When planning events, event organizers can benefit from the concept for awareness, support and protection that was implemented by the canton of Basel-Stadt during the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel. During this major event, the canton provided low-threshold, professional services with a 24/7 hotline, safer spaces and mobile awareness teams. The concept was supplemented by a targeted communication strategy. The offer was financially supported by the Federal Office for Gender Equality as a pilot project(more information here).
Of course, very few events are as big as the ESC. But smaller events can also benefit from the experience gained. The Canton of Basel-Stadt has summarized these in a short version of an information sheet. The recommendations can be downloaded here. Every event is different and those responsible have to consider for themselves how they want to deal with these issues. The fact sheet can help them to find the right solution.
Growing interest
During the ESC, Opferhilfe beider Basel was able to provide the canton of Basel-Stadt with significant support in implementing the protection concept. In recent months, Victim Support has been asked several times by festivals, events and employers to support them in the area of awareness.
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At night and at weekends, the number is operated by Dargebotene Hand beider Basel.
The Dargebotene Hand provides basic counseling and, if necessary, refers the victim to the day service for counseling.
Victim Support beider Basel is available 24/7
Tel: +41 61 205 09 10
