Hope & Healing Rape Crisis Center staff and volunteers will be canvassing bars and other establishments that serve alcohol in Summit County for the first Bar Outreach Project in 2019. Representatives of Rape Crisis Center will be educating bar staff on how they can help prevent Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) and keep their patrons safer.
Volunteers will provide information including:
- Myths and Facts about DFSA
- Information about drugs that are commonly used
- Tips on how to help prevent DFSA
- Warning signs and how to identify if someone has been drugged
- Options for bartenders if they believe someone has been drugged
- Tips to share with patrons on how to stay safe
The use of so-called “date rape drugs” continues to be an issue in our community. These drugs are typically flavorless, odorless, and are undetectable in the body within 36 hours of ingestion. Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in sexual assaults as the perpetrator usually does not have to convince the victim to “try it.”
Hope & Healing will also seek permission to hang fliers with information about the 24-Hour Rape Crisis Line in both men’s and women’s bathroom stalls. These fliers create awareness about DFSA and provide suggestions on how to stay safe (such as never leaving a beverage unattended and always going home with someone you know). A bathroom stall can provide a safe and confidential location for individuals who may need help or be seeking information.
In addition to speaking with bar staff on location, Hope & Healing RCC encourages bar managers and/or owners to contact RCC for additional materials or to take part in the Bar Staff Training.
For more information, call 330.374.0740 or email ohiat@scmcbws.org
