Empowered Bars

The Empowered Bars program came from the hope of creating spaces in our community that are informed and prepared to identify and prevent violence such as sexual assault from occurring. We hope to do that by creating a no tolerance stance against violence in bars across the Panhandle, and by training staff members on bystander intervention, including how to recognize unwanted sexual aggression and options for taking action to stand up against violence.

The relationship between alcohol and sexual violence.

We offer this training both in-person and virtually and at no cost to bars or businesses.

In these 90-minute training sessions, we will explain the relationship between alcohol and sexual violence, why bars are in a unique position for preventing sexual violence, and actual tips and scenario examples for intervening and preventing sexual violence.

How do I help?

In order to become an official part of the Empowered Bars Alliance, at least 70% of all staff within the establishment must be trained. We will also conduct heat mapping walk-throughs of each bar to help identify potential risks for patrons or staff. We provide additional resources, safe shot posters for use in restrooms, tip sheets, and continued support to all businesses within the alliance.

GOALS

EPEC’s goal for the Empowered Bars Program is to train alcohol-serving establishments to combat sexual violence through various bystander intervention tactics. We aim to provide feedback and conduct “heat maps” through the input from patrons and EPEC’s professional observations to see how they view the bar. We also strive to familiarize each establishment with a “safe shot” for their patrons to use whenever one feels uncomfortable and/or unsafe to signal staff involvement.

MISSION

The mission of the Empowered Bar Alliance is to decrease and prevent sexual violence within the community through the support and training of participating alcohol-serving establishments; We aim to create social change by asserting a “No Tolerance” stance on sexual violence.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

Increase knowledge and awareness on the scope and causes of sexual violence and similar victimizations
Increase the sense of responsibility for creating change in one’s community related to sexual violence
Commit to playing a role in decreasing sexual violence
Develop skills for both direct and indirect intervention while keeping bystanders’ own safety in mind
Increase recognition of inappropriate behavior along the continuum of sexual and relationship violence

MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE

Bars who become official members of the Empowered Bars Alliance will receive: (after 70% of staff are trained)

A window decal showing off your No Tolerance stance on sexual violence
A limited number of coasters – more are available for purchase through EPEC
A packet of important resources and reminders for bars to keep on hand
Safe Shot Posters for bathrooms, etc.
Bystander Intervention Tips reminder poster that can be placed on the bar for easy access
Continued communication and support from EPEC staff to help end violence in our community.

If we all take an active stance against violence within our communities, we’ll be on our way to creating safer and more empowered communities.

The Empowered Bars Alliance is currently only open to alcohol serving establishments in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties. We’re working on expanding this program to other areas of West Virginia!

Interested in joining the Empowered Bars Alliance?

We are currently facilitating training for businesses within Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties in West Virginia. Please leave your information below ,and we will be in touch!

Do you work or own a bar/establishment that serves alcohol?

If so, where?

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