Erfurt is breaking new ground: Oktoberfest is becoming a safe SafeNow zone!

Erfurt is breaking new ground: Oktoberfest is becoming a safe SafeNow zone!

In a world where security is becoming increasingly important, the cities of Erfurt and Munich are presenting innovative approaches to give visitors a feeling of safety at festivals and in heavily frequented areas. The recently started SafeNow app in Erfurt enables festival visitors to call for help inconspicuously and quickly. A simple push of a button is enough to alert your own contacts and security staff in the so-called SafeNow Zone in an emergency.

The app not only offers an alarm function with meter-accurate live location transmission, but can also be heard in silent mode, which can be a great advantage, especially in loud festival tents. The CEO of SafeNow GmbH, Tilman Rumland, emphasizes that it is the municipality's responsibility to ensure the safety of guests. Mayor Heike Langguth emphasizes the valuable interaction between the city, security services and awareness teams, which together preventatively ensure the safety of citizens.

Safe spaces as support for women

The situation is similar at the Munich Oktoberfest, where the “SafeNow” app has been used since September 21st to provide additional security. How reported, women and girls in particular can go to the “Safe Space”, a confidential place that offers advice and help. In the past year, over 300 people have visited this refuge because of sexual or physical violence. Trained employees are available to offer support – be it in the event of a psychological crisis or in the event of the loss of companions or valuables.

The “Safe Space” is also a free and protected service that is aimed exclusively at women and can be found in the service center behind the Schottenhamel tent. However, the challenges of tent overcrowding could make access difficult, highlighting the need for an efficient combination of offline and online support services.

Digital violence in focus

In the context of security, the problem of digital violence cannot be ignored. Loud bpb Digital violence, which is amplified by information and communication technologies, is increasing rapidly. Young women in particular are often affected - often even by perpetrators who have previously been violent. This form of violence can have far-reaching consequences and has recently fueled debate about how to record and combat it.

Both events - the Oktoberfest in Munich and the festival in Erfurt - show that a holistic approach that combines digital and analogue assistance is necessary to increase safety for all festival visitors. Developing apps like “SafeNow” and establishing safe spaces are steps in the right direction to create a safe environment for everyone.