In Tilburg, they are appearing more and more in the streetscape: stickers reading Safe Point. Anyone who feels unsafe can step inside one of these locations for help. The initiative, launched by Tilburg locals Jelle Zeegers and Joey van den Boomen, aims to offer a low-threshold solution to street harassment.
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The idea is simple. If you see the sticker on the window of a shop, tattoo studio or cinema, you know you can go inside if you are being harassed or feel unsafe. Participating business owners agree to provide shelter, help contact friends or family, or – if necessary – call security or the police.
According to the initiators, the issue is bigger than many people realize. Women and young people in particular say they regularly feel unsafe in the city during the evening hours. Safe Point is meant to send a visible signal: you are not alone. More and more local businesses are joining the initiative. The concept revolves around recognizability and accessibility. No complicated reporting procedures, just a physical place you can immediately walk into.
At the same time, questions are being raised about whether a sticker alone is enough. Its effectiveness ultimately depends on what happens behind the door. Staff need to know how to respond and take reports seriously. Without clear agreements and proper training, there is a risk that it becomes more symbolic than practical.
Do festivals need a Safe Point as well?
As Safe Point continues to grow in Tilburg, another question emerges. If it works in shopping streets, why not in other places where large groups of people gather? Think of festivals. Large grounds, crowded spaces, alcohol and often long days that stretch late into the night. Event organizers provide security and first aid stations, but a clearly recognizable place where visitors can go in cases of harassment or inappropriate behavior is not always visibly present.
Could a Safe Point concept at festivals contribute to a stronger sense of safety?
