Feasibility and Acceptability of a Bar-Staff Bystander Intervention Training Program for Reducing Sexual Aggression

Abstract

Objective: This article explores the challenges, opportunities, and successes encountered in implementing Safer Bars, a bystander intervention training program to prevent sexual aggression in bars. The study aims to assess the feasibility of program implementation and its acceptability among bar staff and bar owners/managers.

Method: Using a mixed-methods approach, the study assessed the feasibility of Safer Bars by documenting bar participation, reasons for declination, and the time elapsed during recruitment, offering insights into experienced challenges and successes. Acceptability was gauged through posttraining surveys for bar staff (N = 220) and owners/managers (N = 22), including Likert-scale questions on various aspects of the program and open-ended inquiries about the training's best aspects and potential improvements.

Results: Despite challenges in bar enrollment due to time constraints and financial considerations, the program demonstrated high acceptability among participating bars. Bar staff expressed confidence in applying acquired bystander skills, emphasizing the importance of skilled and knowledgeable trainers. The qualitative analysis of participant feedback revealed valuable insights into the practicality and reception of the intervention.

Conclusions: This study provides data from implementation to guide upscaling Safer Bars. Despite feasibility challenges amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the program showed high acceptability among bar staff and owners/managers, indicating its potential impact on addressing sexual aggression in nightlife settings. Future efforts must consider the reality of the alcohol-serving industry and focus on innovative strategies to overcome additional industry-specific barriers to enhance program feasibility.