Bern city authorities are exploring new measures to enhance safety for women during their night-time journeys home. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about sexualized violence in public spaces after dark. SP politicians in the Bern City Council have proposed deploying mobile teams on night buses and trams to create a more secure environment.
Key Takeaways
- Bern is considering mobile safety teams for night public transport.
- The initiative aims to address a 'blind spot' in safety measures: the journey home.
- A 2019 Amnesty International survey found 42% of women experienced sexualized violence in nightlife settings.
- Existing projects like 'Mille Grazie' focus on club and bar staff training.
- Mobile teams would offer de-escalation, mediation, and direct assistance.
Addressing a Critical Safety Gap
Women frequently encounter harassment and aggressive behavior during nights out. Data from a 2019 Amnesty International survey highlights the severity of this issue. The survey revealed that two-thirds of women have experienced sexualized violence at some point, with a significant 42 percent of these incidents occurring in nightlife environments.
The City of Bern has already implemented projects to combat this. One notable example is "Mille Grazie." This program trains staff in clubs and bars to recognize and respond appropriately to sexualized violence. These trained individuals serve as crucial points of contact, particularly for women seeking help.
Concerning Statistics
- 66% of women surveyed by Amnesty International in 2019 reported experiencing sexualized violence.
- 42% of those incidents happened in nightlife settings.
The Journey Home: A Vulnerable Period
While efforts like "Mille Grazie" are vital, SP politicians in Bern's City Council point to a significant gap: the journey home. They argue that existing measures often overlook this period, leaving many individuals feeling vulnerable and exposed. This is particularly true for those using public transport late at night.
Unlike some other cities, Bern's night buses currently operate without dedicated security personnel. This absence leaves commuters without an immediate point of contact or intervention in potential conflict situations. The politicians emphasize that this 'blind spot' requires urgent attention.
"Many perpetrators or potential perpetrators do not stop when faced with a 'no'," stated the SP parliamentarians in their postulate. "Under the influence of alcohol, the problem intensifies drastically. On the way home, there is no club staff present to ensure a 'no' is respected. This gap must be closed. Action is needed here."
Proposed Solution: Mobile Presence and Mediation Teams
To address this, the SP politicians are calling on the city government to ensure a safer journey home. Their proposal includes the deployment of mobile presence and mediation teams on night public transport. These teams would operate in night buses and trams, providing a visible and active presence.
The concept of mobile teams has shown positive results in other cities. Their mere presence often acts as a deterrent, de-escalating potential conflicts before they escalate. They can also mediate in disputes and serve as a direct point of contact for anyone feeling uncomfortable or needing assistance.
Existing Efforts in Bern
The "Mille Grazie" project focuses on training club and bar staff to identify and respond to sexualized violence. These trained professionals act as first responders within nightlife venues, providing support and intervention. However, their scope does not extend to public transport routes after closing hours.
Enhancing Public Safety and Well-being
The proposed service aims to be easily accessible and primarily preventative. Supporters of the initiative are confident that these teams would significantly improve the subjective sense of safety for all night travelers. This extends beyond women to anyone using public transport during late hours.
Implementing such teams would also contribute to fostering a more open, tolerant, and secure Bern. The goal is to create an environment where individuals can enjoy the city's nightlife without fear for their safety on the way home. This proactive approach seeks to make Bern's public spaces more inclusive and secure for everyone.
- Mobile teams would act as a de-escalating presence.
- They would mediate conflicts and offer direct help.
- The service is designed to be low-threshold and preventive.
- The initiative aims to boost the subjective feeling of safety for all night-time public transport users.
The Road Ahead for Bern
The City Council will now consider the postulate put forth by the SP politicians. If approved, the city government would be tasked with developing a plan to implement these mobile teams. This could involve partnerships with existing security services or the creation of a new dedicated unit.
The discussion highlights an important evolution in urban safety strategies. It moves beyond venue-specific interventions to encompass the entire journey, recognizing that vulnerability can exist at any point after leaving a secure location. Bern's commitment to exploring these measures underscores a broader dedication to public well-being and a safer urban experience for all its residents.