Columbia bar partners with national organization to prevent sexual harassment and assault

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Willie’s & Fieldhouse hosted bystander intervention trainings Sunday for employees to increase safety.

The training conversations are facilitated by the SAFE Bar Network, a national nonprofit focused on partnering with bars and other alcohol-serving venues to increase safety.

Willie’s & Fieldhouse are founding members of the SAFE Bar Network and have been leaders within the network since 2018. Since that time nearly 400 of their employees have participated in training.

In September, 110 employees participated in training and learned the skills to identify how perpetrators of sexual violence use alcohol as a tool to make victims or potential victims vulnerable.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, co-owner of Willie’s & Fieldhouse said, “We realized what an impact the training was making when we started to see security staff intervene to stop people who are making others uncomfortable or bartenders reach out to customers and say ‘do you need some help’. The changes that has made in our organization, with our employees, and our customers has been unbelievable and heartfelt.”

The training focuses on teaching the employees the skills to notice uncomfortable and unsafe behavior, interrupt to help, and create an environment where everyone is focused on a fun, safe night out.

Haleigh Harrold, SAFE Bar Network Executive Director, says, “Our training goes beyond individual active bystander skills and focuses on teaching the staff at bars, restaurants, and nightclubs how to have an ongoing conversation about noticing concerning behavior, interrupting effectively, and providing each other support."