Polk County Safe Bars Empower Hospitality Staff to Combat Sexual Violence

Des Moines, IA- Polk County recognizes the importance of vibrant entertainment venues and districts. That is why we are launching a new safety initiative called Polk County Safe Bars. With alcohol involved in half of all sexual assaults and hospitality staff facing some of the highest levels of workplace sexual harassment, effective intervention and prevention programs are more crucial than ever. Polk County Safe Bars delivers specialized training to beverage alcohol staff, empowering them to recognize, interrupt, and prevent sexual harassment and aggression.

Polk County Board Chair Angela Connolly says, “Our entertainment districts are often the lifeblood of our community as places to gather and connect with family, friends and co-workers. While rare, sexual assault and other forms of violence are unfortunately a reality in any community. By adopting the Polk County Safe Bars program, we will be in a better position to identify and prevent some acts of violence before they occur.”

County Attorney Kimberly Graham adds that the Safe Bars initiative aligns with her efforts to promote a safer Polk County for everyone. “Active staff and bystander training can effectively prevent sexual assault and other forms of violence,” she said. “Bar staff can do only so much and bar patrons must understand their responsibilities, too. The law is clear,” Graham said. “Sex with someone who is unable to consent due to intoxication is sexual abuse and can result in mandatory prison time.”

The Safe Bars program is designed to seamlessly integrate into the fabric of our community's nightlife by providing owners, managers, employees and guests the tools they need to ensure a safe welcoming environment.

Those tools include:

• Active Bystander Skills
• Self-identify unwanted sexual aggression and how to safely intervene
• De-escalation Skills
• Development of boundary-setting strategies to manage angry or threatening patrons

Post-training feedback from Safe Bars programs in other communities reveals a significant impact: 100% of staff report feeling confident in their understanding of bystander intervention, and 83% feel more assured in intervening when they witness problematic behaviors.

Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen says, “Polk County Safe Bars aims to work collaboratively with local communities and venues to promote a safe nightlife culture and empower employees to take action in preventing sexual violence.”

Local venue operators and the general public are encouraged to join our initiative and schedule a training session to foster a safer nightlife environment for all. For further information, please contact Sarah Boese/ Deputy County Administrator at Sarah.Boese@PolkCountyIowa.gov or 515-286-3120.