While perpetrators, alone, are responsible for sexual assaults, everyone has the ability to advocate for others and help prevent sexual violence when they see it occur. In April, we launched our Brave Voices Fund during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, an annual awareness campaign that seeks to show support for survivors – and educate members of the public about how to speak out against sexual violence without endangering themselves in the process.
Women, femmes and nonbinary workers in bars and restaurants face unprecedented rates of sexual harassment. An estimated 90% of women in the hospitality industry have experienced sexual harassment (this is three times the rate of the general population!), and one in five of those workers is sexually assaulted on the job. The hospitality industry has a huge problem with sexual predators and bad actors, and it is all of our responsibility to root them out and make the industry safe for everyone who wants to work in it. (source)
Our friends over at RAINN have ample resources available, both for survivors of sexual assault and violence and those who wish to advocate on their behalf. Here are just a few.
RAINN: Recommended Resources
Survivor Resource: The National Sexual Assault Hotline
Survivors of sexual assault can access confidential, anonymous support 24/7, 365 days a year by calling 800.656.HOPE or starting a chat at online.rainn.org.
Click here for additional RAINN-recommended resources for survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence.
Supporter Resource: Bystander Intervention
Bystanders often play a critical role in preventing sexual violence, and RAINN’s C.A.R.E Method (Creating a Distraction, Asking Directly, Rallying Others & Extending Support) outlines ways to intervene as a bystander without putting your own safety at risk.
Survivor & Supporter Resource: Free Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response Training for Hospitality Workers
Women of the Vine & Spirits and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States have teamed up with RAINN to offer an ongoing training series in response to rising rates of harassment, violence and discrimination in the hospitality industry. These virtual, complimentary trainings teach attendees how to recognize sexual misconduct, how to implement prevention strategies in bars and restaurants, and how to identify resources and support services for survivors who experience it. Upcoming sessions are slated for 9 a.m. – noon Thursday, May 12, and 9 a.m. – noon Thursday, May 19. Click here for more information or to register!
Click here for additional RAINN-recommended resources supporters can use to learn more about playing an active role in preventing sexual violence and assault.
Funding & Educational Opportunities From Another Round, Another Rally
The Bevolution Brave Voices Fund: Legal Aid, Mental Health Support & More for Hospitality Workers
Women, femme and nonbinary workers who’ve faced gender or racially based discrimination, harassment, assault or abuse in the hospitality industry now have a new source of support available: The Women of the Bevolution Brave Voices Fund. The fund helps finance legal aid, mental health services, job search help and financial assistance to restaurant and bar workers who meet the criteria outlined above and is now accepting applications. Click here to apply or here to contribute!
Wellness Hour With Women of the Bevolution Founder Ash Eliot
Another Round, Another Rally recently featured Women of the Bevolution Founder Ash Eliot on our Instagram Live Wellness Hour – click here to learn more about what Ash, Women of the Bevolution and the Brave Voices Fund are doing to prevent discrimination, abuse and violence in hospitality and help bars and restaurants establish and maintain respectful, inclusive workspaces where everyone feels safe.