New Program Trains Bar Staff To Stop Potential Assaults

A new initiative designed to prevent sexual assault kicks off in Savannah.

The Bar Bystander program is modeled after a similar initiative in Asheville. It trains people who work in bars how to recognize and respond to potential assault.

The National Institute reports half of all sexual assault cases involve some form of alcohol consumption.

Daniel Lee is spearheading the program in coastal Georgia and says educating bar staff is essential.

“We figured if we could educate the public about responsible alcohol use and bring the sexual violence component to it, that would take us a little further to being able to talk about consent in an inebriated state," he says.

Through the Bar Bystander program, bartenders are trained on how to intervene and prevent suspect situations by developing a rapport with their patrons.

Anyone interested in the program can call 912-233-3000 to get involved.

Tags: bar bystander program, training bar staff to curb sexual assaults, bar staff, daniel lee, gabrielle ware