Bartenders and Servers to Receive Sexual Violence and Harassment Intervention Training
Ontario Investing $1.7 Million in Training for Frontline Workers
September 7, 2016 9:00 A.M.
Ontario is training bartenders, servers and others in the hospitality sector to identify and intervene in instances of sexual violence and harassment among employees and patrons.
Through a $1.7 million investment over three years, workers will be provided with the tools to intervene safely and support survivors of sexual violence and harassment. Funding will support training for frontline workers in the hospitality, health, education, and community services sectors.
Earlier this year, Ontario also passed the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act (Supporting Survivors and Challenging Sexual Violence and Harassment). The Act will make workplaces safer and improve support for survivors through legislative amendments that come into effect on September 8. Empowering workers is an important step toward ending sexual violence and harassment in Ontario.
The training and legislation are part of It’s Never Okay – Ontario’s Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment. The plan is helping to change attitudes, improve supports for survivors and make workplaces and campuses safer and more responsive to complaints about sexual violence and harassment. It will help ensure that everyone in the province can live in safety and free from the threat, fear or experience of sexual violence and harassment.
Quick Facts
- One in three women will experience sexual assault in her lifetime.
- Most Ontarians ‘strongly agree’ that they have an obligation to intervene if they witness sexual violence (64%) or sexual harassment (58%).
- Key barriers to intervention include not knowing how to respond, concerns about personal safety, and fear of jeopardizing employment.
Background Information
- Sexual Violence and Harassment Training Projects for Frontline Workers
- Stronger Sexual Violence and Harassment Laws Come into Effect
Additional Resources
- Read the progress report on It’s Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment
Quotes
“We know Ontarians want to respond to sexual violence and harassment when they see it. These training projects will empower frontline workers to step in and give them the tools to do so safely and effectively.”
Tracy MacCharles
Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues
“In Ontario, everyone should be free from the threat of sexual harassment at work. We are all entitled to feel safe and be safe while working.”
Kevin Flynn
Minister of Labour
“The Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association is committed to lead an action plan of initiatives aimed to stop sexual violence and harassment in Ontario’s hospitality industry. Harassment is present in every industry and the hospitality industry is not immune to it. We will work with our partners, key stakeholders and industry employers to create awareness and through training provide the necessary tools to ensure a safer workplace, respectful for all.”
Tony Elenis
President and CEO, Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association
Media Contacts
Sula Johnson
Minister’s Office
416-212-3346
Laura Sylvis
Ontario’s Women’s Directorate
Laura.Sylvis@ontario.ca
416-314-7010
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