Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Salt Lake police are collaborating with 54 bars and restaurants to prevent abuse.
- A new initiative includes training restaurant staffs to identify, respond to signs of sexual violence.
- The effort is aimed at working to prevent harm before it happens.
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake police have announced a new collaboration with downtown restaurants and nightclubs to raise awareness about sexual assault.
Instead of employees or patrons saying, "I should have done something" after the fact, police want people to be empowered to change that to, "Something's not right, I'm going to go see," said officer Marie Stewart, the Salt Lake City Police Department's district community liaison.
On Thursday, Stewart and others announced that the police department's patrol division is working with 54 bars and restaurants in the city to train employees on how to look for signs of possible abuse and what they can do about it.
"This new effort includes increased training and outreach for food and drink establishments aimed at helping staff identify risk factors and respond effectively to signs of sexual violence. The initiative emphasizes a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach, with a strong focus on empowering survivors and community members to report incidents and seek support," according to the department.
Stewart says while the number of reports to police about sexual assault in these establishments is low, there is a fear it is underreported. The goal is to not only to empower restaurant employees to look for signs, but other patrons and victims, as well.
"If you're in trouble and you feel uncomfortable, go to the staff, they're there to help you. And listen to your gut feeling, don't justify it away, don't worry about being rude," Stewart said.
She says there is no universal sign for someone to say they are in trouble, rather it should be an overall view of a situation that sends a message: "Something is not right."
Restaurant and bar staff are being trained on how to intervene and provide safety measures such as walking a person to their car or calling a ride-share service for that person.
Stewart adds that sexual assault victims can be any age and this effort isn't just targeting young adults.
"Don't count someone out just because they're 80 years old and on a date," she said.
"This initiative is about neighbors, businesses and law enforcement coming together to keep each other safe. Through programs like this and with the help of partners such as the Rape Recovery Center, we're working to prevent harm before it happens," Salt Lake police victim services director Wendy Isom said.
Individuals wishing to speak with a sexual assault victim advocate can call the Salt Lake police victim advocate 24-hour hotline at 801-580-7969. Callers may remain anonymous, call from a blocked number and/or use an alias name to utilize victims' rights to privacy.
