SafeBar: Preventing Sexual Assault SafeBar, launched in 2022 by the Sexual Assault Center, trains staff in alcohol-serving venues to prevent sexual assault and create safer environments. The program addresses the full spectrum of sexual violence, including rape and stalking, and emphasizes bystander intervention strategies to overcome challenges in high-intensity settings.
Recognizing Social Boundaries: Training focuses on identifying non-verbal cues such as body language, eye contact, and personal space to distinguish appropriate from inappropriate behavior. Staff intervention is highlighted as essential for maintaining safety in nightlife and social spaces.
Drug-Facilitated Assault Prevention: The initiative addresses rising trends in drug-facilitated assaults, noting alcohol’s role in 50% of cases. Protocols include staff training, distraction techniques, and the “5 D’s” of intervention, alongside tools like drug detection cards to support prevention efforts.
Event Safety Strategies: Preventive measures for high-risk gatherings, such as bachelorette parties, include staff training, accountability for perpetrators, and collaboration with security and authorities. The SafeBar app helps identify venues with trained personnel.
Consent Education: Early education on consent and social interaction is emphasized as critical for reducing violence. Broader discussions include complexities of consent in alcohol-related situations and the need for comprehensive approaches beyond sexual contexts.
Lorraine McGuire is a nonprofit leader and consultant who has worked to expand the program from a small, emerging initiative into a widely adopted safety standard for bars, restaurants, and hospitality venues. When Lorraine transitioned into the role of Vice President of Community Relations at the Sexual Assault Center in 2022, only two downtown Nashville bars had completed Safe Bar training. Through collective outreach, partnership development, and a growing prevention team, Safe Bar has expanded to 26 downtown establishments and is projected to reach its 100th certified location statewide in early 2026.
Lorraine collaborates closely with the Safe Bar educators and program staff to strengthen and scale training, develop follow-up support systems, and ensure venues have practical implementation tools. She also founded and chairs the Safe Bar Task Force, a cross-sector collaboration that includes the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife, the Broadway Entertainment Association, Metro Nashville Police Department leadership from the Central Precinct, and members of Nashville’s City Council—to address trends, share data, problem-solve in real time, and promote safety across hospitality districts.
Working with the Metro City Council Women’s Caucus and the Public Health & Safety Committee, Lorraine helped secure recurring Metro funding to support Safe Bar's sustainability in Nashville. Since launching Sunrise Strategies LLC in 2025, she continues to support Safe Bar as a consultant, guiding strategy, community partnerships, and expansion efforts.
Her work reflects a collaborative, prevention-first approach, advancing program growth while ensuring safer environments for both hospitality workers and the patrons they serve.
