Angel shot may prevent sexual violence

One risk factor of sexual assault is the use of alcohol. As part of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Crisis Connection has collaborated with local bars on an innovative, proactive approach to ending sexual assault.

They are working with local bars to install signs in restrooms giving customers instructions on how to discreetly ask employees for help. The code drink order, an Angel Shot, is actually a fictitious non-existent cocktail. It alerts bar or wait staff to a situation at a bar or restaurant where someone is actually feeling uncomfortable, where somebody is maybe a little bit too forceful, might be making innuendos, or whatever the situation is that’s making someone not feel safe.

It is the hope to expand the “Angel Shot” restroom signage to more establishments and then to take the next step of providing, Raise The Bar Indiana training.

Raise The Bar Indiana was developed by the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Alternatives based on similar programs in North Carolina, Arizona and Washington, D.C. It is a workshop for bar staff on sexual violence prevention and bystander intervention.

Crisis Connection employees have been trained to provide an interactive training to staff on recognizing instances of sexual violence and safe ways to intervene to make everyone’s bar or restaurant experience potentially safer and more enjoyable.

“We are so appreciative of the bar owners, managers and staff who have decided to participate. They are being proactive in assuring their establishments stay as safe environments where patrons can relax and enjoy their experience,” said Paula Rasche, Crisis Connection Executive Director. “We’re also grateful to our local law enforcement for their support in this effort.”

According to ‘The Shadows Of Innocence’ documentary, 18 million women and almost 3 million men in the United States have been raped. One in five Indiana women will be raped in their lifetime. Alcohol is the number one predatory drug.

Crisis Connection’s mission is to promote individual accountability and respect to end domestic violence and sexual assault through confidential crisis intervention, victim advocacy, primary prevention education, and collaboration with community partners.  They can be contacted at www.crisisconnectioninc.org or their 24-hour hotline:  1.800.245.4580.