KCHD to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month with Safe Bar Training 

WHAT: Knox County Health Department (KCHD), along with the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee, the Title IX Office at University of Tennessee, and the Family Justice Center are continuing the Safe Bar TN training to prevent sexual violence and create safe nightlife spaces. The next training will be with new local business, Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Interviews will be available with Yee-Haw’s bar manager and KCHD’s violence prevention health educator.  

WHEN: Wednesday, May 3 at 11:15 a.m.  

WHERE: Yee-Haw Brewing Co.  

745 N Broadway 

BACKGROUND: The Safe Bar Program launched in Knox County in early 2022. Training includes FREE, in-person education on bystander intervention and raising awareness about alcohol’s role in sexual assault. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, alcohol is involved in about half of all sexual assault incidents. In these situations, alcohol could be consumed by the offender, victim, or often, both. 

“This initiative helps equip bar employees to recognize signs of potential assault or unwanted behaviors and how to safely intervene,” said Amy Rowling, KCHD violence prevention health educator. “We are grateful for the local bars participating in the initiative who are taking important steps to help create a safer community.” 

Following certification, participating bars are given a flyer and window cling to display their safe bar status. Additionally, benefits for participating businesses include access to ambassadors and trainers for future guidance and promotion from Safe Bar TN’s website and social media platforms.