K-W Oktoberfest ‘No Means Nein’ campaign offers safe online reporting

K-W Oktoberfest is the first festival in Ontario to partner with an online reporting platform, gathering data on unwanted sexualized behaviours.

The Bavarian festival is working with REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors) for the campaign called No Means Nein.

“Having clear reporting options and access to resource information is critical for survivors,” said REES founder, Mary Lobson, in a release. “We are proud to partner with K-W Oktoberfest to reduce barriers to reporting and lead change in the Ontario festival ecosystem.”

Anyone who attends a K-W Oktoberfest event and has an unwanted encounter can report it online by clicking here.

REES’ website also offers information about community-based resources, like sexual assault support centres and other services.

The data collected through the partnership will be used to give festivals insight and help develop prevention strategies.

K-W Oktoberfest’s executive director Tracy Val Kalsbeek, said, “Unwelcome sexual actions have a significant impact on the perceptions of personal safety at festivals. With the data REES collects, we will gain important insight to help us minimize risk and develop ongoing strategies.”