There’s a new push to stand up against sexual violence in Itasca County. It’s a program called “Safe Bars,“ organized by Support Within Reach Sexual Violence Resource Center.

Staff from places like Zorbaz in Grand Rapids and Smoke on the Water will get specialized training. They eventually will train other hospitality staff in bystander intervention skills. Those folks are often in the unique position to observe and intervene.

Support Within Reach is a private, non-profit, community service organization serving residents and those impacted by incidents of sexual violence in Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Itasca Counties. Existence is made possible by the work of a volunteer Board of Directors, staff, volunteer advocates, and contributors.