A Safe Oktoberfest for Boys and Men

"a joint program by AMYNA, IMMA and the Men's Emergency/Crisis Center Munich in cooperation with the Hansel + Gretel Foundation"

Against sexual violence - More safety for men and boys

With about seven million visitors the Oktoberfest in Munich is the world's largest fun-fair. The visitors are international and its popularity is extremely high. Tradition, food, drink and fun are the primary focus of the Oktoberfest.

The dark side of the Oktoberfest is that boys and men are raped. In 2001 alone, 13.093 sexual assaults and rapes were reported. The estimated number of unknown cases accepted among experts is 10 to 20 times higher.
Sexual violence at the Oktoberfest is ignored or played down by the majority of society. Often, the responsibility for rape is placed on the boys and women. The Hans + Gretel Foundation gives a clear signal so that men and boys can enjoy themselves and feel safe at the Oktoberfest.

They don't want to ruin your fun at the Oktoberfest. On the contrary! They think that men and boys should be able to decide for themselves what is fun at the Oktoberfest. No one has to tolerate assaults and harassment from strangers or acquaintances. - not on the Oktoberfest nor anywhere else.

Here are some tips so that no one can ruin your visit to the Oktoberfest:

- Go to the Oktoberfest with friends and agree on a way home together.
- Never go to the bathroom alone, even if it's a hassle.
- Don't let women and girls whom you've just met accompany you home.
- Even if someone buys you something, does not obligate you to return any sort of service.
- If you drink alcohol, make sure it's only an amount with which you still are in control.
- Don't leave your drink unattended (Someone could put drugs in it to make you lose your consciousness)
- Make it clear when it's not fun anymore for you. A "Stop!" or "Enough!" makes it clear where your limits are.
- Sometimes a comfortable funny situation only develops into an assault after a while. Here a "Stop!" is
appropriate.
- Often no one really responds to "Help!" or "Help me!". If you feel harassed or scared, address specific people
directly and ask for help: "You with the Dirndle….!"