Bystanders can make difference preventing sexual assaults

Watch above: Teaching bar staff to intervene in potentially dangerous situations

SASKATOON – Bystanders can make a big difference when it comes to preventing sexual assaults, according to the organizers of an intervention workshop at the University of Saskatchewan.

Roughly 20 people took part in a bystander and intervention training program Wednesday afternoon. Organizers stressed that if a person notices something suspicious while at the bar or a house party, it’s a good idea to step in.

“A lot of people will see the signs or realize that that’s not right and you have to be confident enough to step up and be like, hey you can’t treat someone like that,” said Maria Lammerding, who helped organize the event.

Lammerding said she once witnessed a woman being sexually assaulted at a Saskatoon night club which was the catalyst for the workshop.

“When I went to management, to try to tell them what had happened and everything, no one was really taking it seriously,” said Lammerding, of the incident.

The workshop was part of the U of S’s sexual assault awareness week.

Heather Pocock of Saskatoon’s Sexual Assault and Information Centre led the event and gave suggestions on how one could intervene on behalf of someone else.

“Why not say hey, are you okay, or did you come with this guy, or hey buddy, you know, I think you’re maybe overstepping your boundaries, I think she’s a bit intoxicated,” said Pocock, who created a guide on sexual assault for bars and lounges.

Organizers of the event hope that the guide could be used as training for establishment staff across Saskatoon.

“We know that most of sexual assaults happen when there’s alcohol involved, so we’re hoping that if establishments are trained, that way even if the community doesn’t get involved, a staff member will,” said Dylan Lambi-Raine, the director of the women’s centre at the university.

Lammerding has worked in various Saskatoon bars and nightclubs over the years and says she’s seen many suspicious situations and intervened many times as well.

“You’ll always see something that is questionable, every night,” she said.