10 Jul 2010

Bar staff trained to intervene by rape prevention group

3:48 pm on 10 July 2010

A rape prevention group is training hotel staff to intervene if women are being preyed upon during Rugby World Cup celebrations next year.

Rape Prevention Education director Kim McGregor says the group is working with the police and the Alcohol Liquor Advisory Council to train bar personnel and door staff.

She says they are being taught ways to intervene in high risk situations, for example where a woman who is unaware she is being plied with strong drinks.

Dr McGregor says sexual assaults during the Rugby World Cup celebrations would affect not only the victims, but also New Zealand's reputation as a safe country.