Bar Watch program aims to prevent sex assaults fueled by booze, drugs
Too many reports of disoriented women waking up in strange beds after a night on the town has Fort Lauderdale police and bar owners taking a sober look at the root cause of some sexual assaults.
Police have teamed up with local bars and restaurants to launch Bar Watch, a program aimed at deterring sexual assaults through heightened awareness, training, best practices, and the use of special beverage coasters that can tell if an alcoholic beverage or other drink has been spiked.
Participating businesses will post Bar Watch decals on their windows to indicate the staff and police are working together to spot signs of trouble that are precursors to sexual assaults.
Police Chief Rick Maglione said many sexual assaults start with alcohol that someone blends with an illegal drug.
“We saw a pattern where a lot of these incidents of reported sexual batteries, at least the contact between the victim and the suspect, initiated in an establishment where alcohol is served,” Maglione said at a news conference Thursday.
According to the Nancy J. Cotterman Center for sexual assault treatment, some ways to avoid becoming a potential victim include:
■ Traveling in a group, check in with each other, leave together, and don’t be isolated;
■ Trust your instincts and avoid situations that feel uncomfortable or unsafe;
■ Watch your drink. Never leave it unattended and don’t accept drinks from strangers;
■ Be aware of your surroundings;
■ Don’t feel obligated to do anything you don’t want to do or feel uncomfortable about;
■ Keep your cellphone accessible and fully charged. “Nothing replaces common sense,” Maglione said.