Preventing and Responding to Sexual Assault Incidents at Your Event

Transcription

1 Preventing and Responding to Sexual Assault Incidents at Your Event Dr. Kari Sampsel Medical Director Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program The Ottawa Hospital

2 Preventing and Responding to Sexual Assault Incidents at Your Event Dr. Kari Sampsel Medical Director Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program The Ottawa Hospital

3 Outline Sexual assault and events The reality The responsibility The response

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6 Highest Incidence of Sexual Assaults

7 Patient and Assault Characteristics Over 98% women, median age 25 Over 90% had voluntarily consumed drugs or alcohol Less than one third knew their attacker

8 Patient and Assault Characteristics Over 60% blacked out during their assault Almost 60% thought they had been drugged (DFSA)

9 Risk Factors In Action 25% or more sexual assaults seen associated with mass gatherings Mass gatherings tend to attract a younger crowd who are not as experienced in safe drug/alcohol consumption strategies

10 Risk Factors in Action Most common means of DFSA is through spiking drinks

11 Impact First study to establish the incidence and risk factors for sexual assault at mass gatherings

12 Impact

13 Responsibility

14 Responsibility

15 Responsibility

16 Responsibility

17 Responsibility

18 Prevention Strategies Increased awareness and access to treatment services Increased trained security at events Bystander training and education Safety mechanisms for patrons

19 Sexual Assault Treatment Services

20 Public Health

21 Public Transportation

22 Preventing Sexual Assault at Festivals Project SoundCheck TM

23 Our Unique Approach + + Research & Engaged Organizations Music Festival& Partnerships Volunteer Engagement Proven way to prevent sexual assault Bystander Intervention

24 Bystander Intervention WHO ARE BYSTANDERS? WHERE DID THIS COME FROM? They are people who are around, and could potentially discourage, prevent, or interrupt behaviour. The bystander model was used more in medical interventions. For example: Heart attacks, or first aid. Most of us know to call 911, or have first aid skills

25 Bystander Intervention is about Deescalation + Non-violent + Respect for person and those around

26 Bystander Intervention RECOGNIZING VIOLENCE If someone seems really drunk or high and is falling over, looks confused, sick, cold, or lost, you can stop and ask them if they need help. If you see someone who seems vulnerable to assault because they are very intoxicated you don t have to figure out at that moment if they were drugged or took something on their own. The most important thing in that moment is not how they got in that state, it is keeping them safe.

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28 Bystander Intervention SUPPORT It is devastating to hear that anyone was sexually assaulted, so part of our project is also about teaching volunteers and staff techniques for how they can support people who may disclose sexual violence.

29 Bystander Intervention SUPPORT * * * * * Believe them Express that you believe them. I am sorry this happened. How can I help? Listen You do not need details about the assault. Let them tell you what they want. If they are in immediate danger seek out security, or if they need help paramedics.

30 LOGISTICS TRAINING PARTNERS We have found that a 30 minute training is the best amount of time, and allows for Q & A. Hospital, paramedic, and security staff have shown to be an asset. For them to be engaged in the training is ideal. Ultimately it needs to be a festival vision!

31 Bystander Intervention SUPPORT

32 Project SoundCheck

33 Nightlight In collaboration with The Ottawa Hospital - mhealth Research Team and Algonquin College Health and Wellness Research Centre

34 Nightlight Before heading out for the festival/event, just add your trusted friends for the night

35 ? You get separated, feel at risk or unsafe one touch opens Nightlight Nightlight

36 Panic Mode Nightlight Activates sound and light on phone to draw immediate attention.

37 ! Nightlight Find Me Mode Pings your trusted friends and others with your location

38 Nightlight Get Home Safe After an Awesome Night

39 Summary Sexual assault is happening at your festivals Certain risk factors make it more likely to happen perfect storm Liability issues/negative media coverage/lost revenue Know your local services Bystander intervention Project SoundCheck Mobile technology - Nightlight

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