Oktoberfest Safe Space reports more violence against women

The Safe Space at Munich’s Oktoberfest has recorded more reports of sexual and physical violence against women, with some cases described as particularly severe, BR reported. Nineteen women have sought help after experiencing violence at the festival, seven more than at the same point last year.

Police are investigating the rape of a 21-year-old tourist who was attacked in a park next to the Theresienwiese on Friday. The woman had met a 23-year-old man at the Oktoberfest, and the two went to the nearby park and were showing affection when an unknown man approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her against her will. She screamed, and the suspect fled. A police search did not find him.

During the first eight days of the festival, 185 visitors sought help at the Safe Space after finding themselves in difficult situations, compared with 197 during the same period last year. Many needed help arranging a safe journey back to their accommodation, for example because they had become separated from companions, lost personal belongings, did not know their hotel address or felt unsafe travelling alone.

Safe Space staff offer advice, help with enquiries and accompaniment, as well as blankets and changing clothes. They also assist people affected by alcohol misuse or suspected drink spiking. Their safety advice includes carrying important phone numbers or a hotel address, agreeing on emergency meeting points in advance and keeping some cash in a traditional dirndl dress in case a wallet is lost.

No cases of upskirting, or filming beneath a woman’s skirt, have been reported to the Safe Space so far. A spokesperson said such offences may often go unnoticed at the time because perpetrators try to conceal what they are doing.

The free service is open to people who identify as women and to non-binary people who feel it is intended for them. It is based in the service centre behind the Schottenhamel tent, at the first-aid entrance, and is open daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. From Friday, it will open at 3.30 p.m.

Of those seeking help this year, 38 percent were from Munich or the surrounding area and 37 percent were from abroad. Seventy-four percent were under 30, including 28 minors. The Safe Wiesn for Girls and Women is run by the organisations AMYNA and IMMA and the Munich Women’s Emergency Hotline counselling centre.