2

Hudson Valley Safer Bars helps create a fun and safe nightlife for Dutchess, Orange, and Westchester Counties.
Go out. Be Safe. Make Memories.

What is Hudson Valley Safer Bars?

The purpose of the Safer Bars program is to help mitigate negative behaviors before they happen, within our community, as it relates to nightlife and the bar scene in the Hudson Valley. Statistically, the occurrence of aggressiveness increases within nightlife due to factors such as alcohol consumption. Our goal is to understand risk factors and increase protective factors
through the help of partnerships, policy work, environmental impacts, and evidence-based interventions.

Here are a few ways you can participate:

Partnerships

Ability to work together to help understand individual level capacity as well as opportunities to work together within the nightlife community to prevent sexual violence.

Safer Bars Curriculum

Our trained educators implement the Safer Bars curriculum that educates bar staff on positive bystander skill building to reduce sexual aggression in alcohol-serving establishments.

Environmental Work

Working with bar managers and staff to review environmental impacts (both internal and external) and ways to help address certain barriers.

Policy Work

Reviewing current house policies and bar handbook in order to best support staff and patrons regarding what is acceptable and action steps to take.

Training to Become An Official Safer Bar

Safer Bars is an evidence-based curriculum designed to train bar staff to recognize and respond to sexual aggression before it escalates. This program entails two free 2.5 hour sessions over two to four weeks at a time, at the location of your choice, which at least 70% of your bar staff must attend in order to become an official Safer Bar. Our training is customized to your staff, business, and culture. We will build on your staff’s skills to create a safer and more welcoming environment for all.

Hudson Valley Safer Bars

These Hudson Valley bars and restaurants have made the commitment to creating safer spaces for patrons to enjoy. They have undergone specific training and achieved certification as a Hudson Valley Safer Bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should my bar participate?

There are numerous reasons including:

  • Reduce Liability: Bars in general have unique liability concerns. By participating in our program, your staff will have a greater range of strategies to use in addressing unwanted sexual aggression and other forms of violence that are directed at themselves or patrons. With staff that are better able to recognize and address problems early, aggression can be stopped before getting to the point where it can escalate to put your establishment at risk. 
  • Promotion: We promote establishments that participate in Safer Bars throughout the community and on college campuses. We also provide you with a window decal and certificate to display to enhance your bar’s image and to designate it as a member of Safer Bars. We will also have promotional material available for awareness events.
  • Customer and Staff Satisfaction: Participation in our program will show your customers and staff your commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment.
  • A Better Bottom Line: Customers who have positive experiences are more likely to return and tell their friends!
  • Stand out as a community leader: Bars and restaurants are where people go to relax, celebrate, meet new people, catch up with old friends, and more; bars help set the tone for our communities. Being a Safer Bars member is a clear way to show the community that you are dedicated to creating a safe and thriving community within the Hudson Valley.

How much does it cost?

Safer Bars is free to bars in Dutchess, Westchester, and Orange Counties.

When is the training offered?

At your convenience. We conduct two, 2.5-hour sessions over two to four weeks at a time that works best for you and your staff.

Where is the training held?

We come to you, either at your establishment or a location of your choosing.

What are the requirements?

To be designated as a Hudson Valley Safer Bar, 70% or more of all bar staff must attend and complete the training curriculum. All bars must post materials in the bar identifying the establishment as a program participant, including posters to notify customers they can reach out to staff for help. We ask all bars participate in one community activity per year, such as hosting a Hudson Valley Safer Bars night or attending, sponsoring, or promoting another community event.

Hudson Valley Safer Bars is a program that teaches your staff how to respond safely and appropriately to harassment and other inappropriate behavior in your establishment, creating a safer environment for everyone.

Become a Hudson Valley Safer Bar

Interested in learning more or becoming a certified Hudson Valley Safer Bar? Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch soon.


Region 3 Agency Information

Family Services

29 N Hamilton St
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845.452.1110
familyservicesny.org

Westchester Community
Opportunity Program (WestCOP)

2 Westchester Plaza, Suite 137
Elmsford, NY 10520
914.592.5600
westcop.org

Orange County
Mental Health Association (MHA)

73 James P. Kelly Way
Middletown, NY 10940
845.342.2400
www.mhaorangeny.com

You've been selected...

College Video Scenario

…to participate in our interactive story experience where you’ll decide how our main characters react to real life experiences.