City continues to take a stand against sexual violence with Good Night Out
Earlier this spring, the City of Vancouver announced the launch of the Last Call Pilot Project, in partnership with Good Night Out. External website, opens in new tab Now, just two months later, the Last Call Pilot Project is expanding, with the #NotMe reporting app being made available city-wide.
As the pilot project continues its mission to create a safer and more inclusive service and hospitality industry in Vancouver, the City aims to increase awareness of the #NotMe reporting tool and encourage its use to anonymously report sexual harassment and misconduct.
Until March 31, 2024, patrons can share incidents of harassment in Vancouver establishments via the #NotMe app. External website, opens in new tab Reports can be made for safety concerns and harassment experienced in any Vancouver establishment, not just the ones participating in the Last Call Pilot Project. Vancouver residents are encouraged to download the app External website, opens in new tab before going out in Vancouver and can make an anonymous report in just a few minutes.
The data collected from the #NotMe app will be used to get a clearer picture on a variety of gender-based violence issues, including sexual harassment, assault, and sexual assault. Participating establishments will be notified of incidents directly, and data will be used to better address gender-based violence in Vancouver’s nightlife scene. Non-participating establishments that are featured in reports will be offered the opportunity to receive sexual harassment prevention and intervention training from Good Night Out, as well as to learn more about the Last Call Project.
“Everyone, no matter their gender, should feel safe when going out with friends and family. With the expansion of the pilot, we will be able to get more accurate data into the issue of sexual violence in the service and hospitality industry,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “It will help inform our future policies and decisions to help create a safer Vancouver for all and ensure that everyone going out has an enjoyable experience.”
“As we continue to work closely with the City and committed local businesses to create safe, more enjoyable spaces to work and play in, Good Night Out is also very excited to expand its work with the #NotMe team.” said Stacey Forrester, Co-Founder and Education Director of Good Night Out Vancouver. “Their platform has made it so easy for people to share reports of harassment quickly and easily in this industry and we have been fortunate to be able to offer this to Last Call participants and their guests. With #NotMe’s expansion to be available across Vancouver and beyond, I am grateful that more survivors will have the opportunity to speak up safely and help enact change in the industry and community.”
The City of Vancouver has been taking significant steps to advance women’s equity, including creating a Women’s Equity Strategy PDF file (1.9 MB) and joining the UN Women’s Global Flagship Initiative, “Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces.” External website, opens in new tab The Last Call Pilot Project aligns with these efforts, further emphasizing the City’s commitment to promoting safety and inclusivity for all residents and visitors.
For more information about the Last Call Pilot Project, visit lastcallproject.ca. External website, opens in new tab