Street Safety
This Mardi Gras, travel with mates, grab a taxi, cover up and stay alert...
At Mardi Gras, not everyone wants to wave their arms in the air and shake ‘em like they just don’t care. While homophobic violence can and does happen anywhere and anytime, more of it happens around Mardi Gras and especially on parade and party night.
Because we’re more visible at Mardi Gras, that can make us targets for violence, harassment and abuse.
Stay safe on the street...
There are lots of things you can do to stay safe:
- Be aware of where you are and what’s going on around you,
- Travel to parties and venues with a bunch of people you know,
- Cover up your party clothes (or lack thereof), or get changed at the venue,
- If you’re alone, get a taxi.
ACON can help you...
If you’ve experienced homophobic abuse or violence you can:
- Report it to the police. In an emergency call 000. Otherwise call the NSW Police Switchboard on 9281 0000 and ask for a Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer,
- Call the Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project on 9206 2116 or 1800 063 060 to get support and referral information or to make a report. You can also report online at avp.acon.org.au.
- Make an appointment with one of ACON’s counsellors on 9206 2116 for support and info. Or talk to a counsellor from the 24 hour Victims Support Line - 9374 3000.
If you’re outside of Sydney, then get in touch with the staff at one of ACON’s regional offices in the Hunter, Illawarra, Northern Rivers or on the Mid North Coast