Gender-based violence is a big concern in hospitality – and women bear the brunt of managing it

• But our new research paints a concerning picture of the extent of the problem in the hospitality industry.
• Women bar workers were also routinely seen as “better suited” to manage the threat of violence.

‘The line is clear’

• Workers insisted the line between friendliness and harassment from patrons in bar work is “very clear”.
• Karen*, a bar worker from Melbourne, said
  The line is very clear.
• I feel like that line [calling out bad behaviour] is dictated by your superiors.
• I feel like that line [calling out bad behaviour] is dictated by your superiors.

Women routinely expected to manage violence

• Women were expected to be “calmer” and “kinder”, creating significant risk of harm for them.
• This expectation to manage violence is an unrecognised extra form of gendered labour which women are primarily expected to undertake.
• Given the scale and breadth of gendered violence against women, the normalised position that women are “better suited” to manage violence is risky and exploitative.

Five recommendations to change the industry

We suggest five recommendations targeting employers, policy and resourcing to create change in the industry.
These changes can create safer and more respectful workplaces for all. *All names attributed to quotes from participants in this study are pseudonyms. Julia Coffey receives funding from the Australian Research Council. David Farrugia receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Lena Molnar works for Women with Disabilities Victoria. Steven Threadgold received funding from the Australian Research Council for this project.