Coasters, posters and TALK, to prevent partner violence: Saving Grace invites restaurants, bars to join in effort
![Saving Grace offers to partner with bars, restaurants to display posters, use coasters that offer 24-hour helpline](https://ktvz.b-cdn.net/2024/08/Saving-Grace-Life-Without-Violence-helpline.jpg)
Eight establishments join initiative in first week; Kelsey McGee will have report at Five
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Saving Grace announced the successful launch of a new Violence Prevention Partner Program, an initiative that invites local bars and restaurants to play an active role in preventing intimate partner violence within our community. Several establishments have already joined in the effort.
The organization said last week that the program aims to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about IPV by providing establishments with specially designed coasters and posters that promote the importance of talking about violence in our community and how all of us can help survivors.
Kelsey McGee is speaking Tuesday with Saving Grace's assistant executive director to learn more about the program. She's also planning to speak with a business partner in the program. Her report will be on NewsChannel 21 at Five.
The coasters and posters prominently feature our new "TALK" graphic, an acronym designed to help patrons remember key steps in addressing intimate partner violence:
T – Tell the person being harmed you’ll help
A – Ask others in the area for help
L – Leave help the person being harmed leave
K – Keep Supporting the person being harmed
“We believe that everyone has a role to play in preventing violence,” said Abby Rowland, executive director of Saving Grace. “By partnering with local bars and restaurants, we’re bringing this conversation into the public space, where it can have a real impact. These coasters and posters are simple tools that can spark important discussions and help people recognize the signs of intimate partner violence.”
In just the first week of the program, participating establishments so far included:
Craft Kitchen and Brewery
Mountain Burger
Wikiup Station
Vic's Bar and Grill
Basecamp Grill
Wetlands Taphouse
Big Belly Burgers and Brew
The Podski
Participating venues receive materials at no cost and will be listed on Saving Grace’s social media as Violence Prevention Partners. The program is designed to create a supportive environment where individuals can feel safe discussing IPV, whether they are seeking help or offering support to someone in need.
“We’re encouraging everyone—patrons, staff, and owners alike—to TALK about intimate partner violence. It’s a difficult subject, but by bringing it into the open, we can break the silence that too often surrounds this issue,” added Rowland.
Bars and restaurants interested in joining the program can sign up by contacting them directly at delanie.s@saving-grace.org.
About Saving Grace
Saving Grace is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safety, hope, and healing to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and stalking. Through comprehensive support services, community education, and advocacy, we strive to create a violence-free community.