Safe Place

What is the Safe Place Program?

The Safe Place program is a community program promoting safety within lesbian, gay and transgender communities.

It was developed in 1991 by Michael Aaronson as part of the Whistle Project and designed by Cath Phillips. The Whistle Project promoted "Safe Place" to businesses and organisations during the 1990's.

In 2002 it was relaunched as a joint initiative of the Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project (AVP), South Sydney City Council, and the program's creator, the Whistle Project.

The Program aims to provide a network of businesses and community organisations across
NSW that gay men, lesbians and transgender people can use if fearful of street-based
homophobic violence.

Currently there are over 200 Safe Places throughout New South Wales.

How does Safe Place work?

A Safe Place sticker identifies each location as being part of the Safe Place program. The sticker is usually attached to a door or window that faces the street. The Safe Place sticker is reproduced at the top of this page.

Stickers are valid for the years indicated. This ensures that Safe Place locations are always up-to-date with information and support.

If you feel threatened or distressed then look for a location displaying the Safe Place sticker. When you enter the location let the staff know why you are there so they can act to ensure your safety.

When might I feel the need to access a Safe Place?

You can access a Safe Place location whenever you feel your safety being threatened. Such situations may include: seeing a group of drunken young men walking towards you; being verbally abused by strangers on the street; or being threatened with violence.

Depending upon the situation the staff at a Safe Place location may call the police, lock the door or simply let you wait inside until you feel safe to leave.

Information for Safe Place Locations

How are Safe Place locations chosen?

There are a number of criteria a business or organisation needs to meet to become a Safe Place. These include: being a recognised gay, lesbian transgender business (eg. bar or venue) or community organisation (eg. Pride, ACON); or being a business in an area with a high gay, lesbian and transgender population or having a significant clientele from these communities.

Other considerations will include ease of access to the location from the street, safety measures for staff and hours of operation.

What do I need to do as a business?

As a Safe Place program participant you have indicated that gay men, lesbians and transgenders experiencing any homophobic trouble are welcome to seek support from your business.

This support may include, calling the police, comforting the individual or simply providing a space for someone to wait until they feel safer.

We also ask that following any occasion when someone feels they need to access your location that you call the AVP to let us know.

How does business benefits from ‘Safe Place’?

There are a number of benefits for businesses who join the Safe Place program. These include: identifying your business as an active supporter of gay, lesbian and transgender communities; contributing to a sense of community; and enhancing feelings of safety within the community.

Safer communities mean safer business.

How can my business become a Safe Place?

There are two ways a business can become a Safe Place. Either, the AVP will approach your business if we see that it fits the criteria of the program. Or, if you believe your business fits the criteria you can contact the AVP and we will discuss the matter with you. As the AVP is located in Sydney, most locations outside of metropolitan area will need to contact us.

To find out more about the Program or to see if your business could become a Safe Place email Ian Down, or call on 02 9206 2066.

Safe Place is made possible thanks to financial contributions from City of Sydney Council, Marrickville Council and North Sydney Council.