Its time again for Our VOICE to hit the streets for the “Bar Outreach Blitz”. Outreach in bars is especially crucial around this time of year when drinking is at at an all time high. As part of the Blitz, representatives of Our VOICE will be talking to bar staff about how they can help prevent Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) and hanging flyers (in both men and women’s bathrooms) with information about our 24hour crisis line.
Volunteers will provide information on popular “Date Rape Drugs,” what to look for in someone who has been drugged and what to do if a drugging is suspected. Our VOICE can also help bar staff with how to address dangerous situations or how to intervene when someone is overly intoxicated.
Sex with someone who is unable to consent (i.e. intoxicated) is rape. Because alcohol is the drug most commonly used to help commit sexual assault, Our VOICE prioritizes collaboration with bar owners, managers and staff to help keep their patrons safe. A 1994 statistic states that 75% of the men and 55% of the women involved in acquaintance rapes were drinking or taking drugs just before the attack. If a person is unconscious or their judgment is impaired by alcohol they are legally unable to consent.
The Our VOICE team will be out just before New Years Eve on December 29 & 30 from 4-7pm.
In addition to speaking with bar staff on location, Our VOICE encourages any bar staff or owners in Buncombe County to contact the organization for materials or trainings.
For more information, call 828-252-0562 or email ohia@ourvoicenc.org
