Project history
A peek at what we learned in phase 1:
Training works! Maintain access to training in Phase 2.
Not every businesses is equally ready to step into the work of intensive safer spaces, make room for self assessment.
Partnership and collaboration is key! Continue to create space for local government, the hospitality and late night establishments and events and prevention non-profits to work together.
Full Phase 1 Report coming soon!
Background
This work began in 2019 when Vancouver City Council passed a motion asking staff to explore options to address the increase in sexual violence in the hospitality and service industry. After a COVID-hiatus, the City identified three core actions to take with one being the granting of funds to GNO with support from the City to develop a Sexual Violence Prevention Program.
Phase 1
Phase One of this first-of-its-kind pilot supported select Vancouver businesses in the service and hospitality industry through an in 18 month pilot program that provided sexual violence prevention training, policy, reporting infrastructure and data collection to support them in creating systems that mitigate and empower employees and the public to prevent and report sexual harassment.
The phase also involved allowing those working and socializing in any establishment in Greater Vancouver to share their stories of witnessing or experiencing sexual violence in these spaces, to inform recommendations at the conclusion of the pilot.