YWCA, ACR Health Offer ‘Safer Bars’ Training Initiative

April is not only a month for awareness, it is one for action.

That from officials with the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley and ACR Health, who are unveiling a new initiative in the month of April, dedicated to Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness.

The 'Safer Bars' effort will offer free training to bar owners and staff so they are equipped to recognize sexual harassment. A Safer Bars Facebook page was recently launched and included an online survey that asked about local nightlife and experiences of sexual harassment, YWCA Mohawk Valley Prevention Educator Melissa Loiacano said.

''Of the 100 adults 21 and over surveyed, 52 percent said that they or someone they knew had been sexually harassed in a bar, while 19 percent stated they were not sure. To us that speaks volumes'', Loiacano said. ''Do these 19 percent not know the definition of sexual harassment, or do our cultural norms make us believe that certain behaviors are simply the price we pay to go out and have a good time?''

The agencies are reaching out to local bars and taverns to offer the Safer Bars training, YWCA of the Mohawk Valley executive director Natalie Brown said. They are also encouraged to contact the YWCA for more information.

Additionally, the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley has several events planned in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness month:

• Beginning April 8, YWCA Herkimer County Child Advocacy Center and Sexual Violence Services, in Ilion, is displaying 'Pinwheels for Prevention',representing child and secondary victims served in 2014.
• Thursday April 9, the YWCA's Salute To Outstanding Women.
• Open Mic Night on April 14, an opportunity for survivors and their supporters to gather and speak at the YWCA Mohawk Valley offices at 1000 Cornelia Street in Utica.
• Thursday April 23 - Take Back the Night rally at Myers Park in Herkimer
• April 23-26, the YWCA MV is joining the national YWCA 'Stand Against Racism' campaign
• The local branch is also a participant in the Boilermaker Charity Bib Program

For more information on any of these events or programs, visit ywcamv.org.