Letters

The Cottage would like to commend Blake Aued and Flagpole for bringing awareness to the issue of drug facilitated sexual assault in Athens.  The Cottage has been made aware of a few cases where rape survivors suspect they were drugged by a bartender; however, we know firsthand that the large majority of bar owners and bar employees are tremendously dedicated to the safety of their patrons and community.  We know this in part because so many have supported our “Consent Is Sexy (and Required)†campaign by joining our Athens Bars Against Sexual Assault.  

The Athens Bars Against Sexual Assault joins together downtown bars and The Cottage in an effort to spread awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault in Athens and create a dialogue about what consent to sex really entails.  Consent cannot be legally made in a state of intoxication; it must be clear and consensual.  

It takes a community to stop rape and sexual assault, and The Cottage is glad to have allies in these efforts, including the 40 Watt Club, Georgia Theatre, Flicker, Ted’s Most Best, Cutter’s Pub, Silver Dollar Bar, Allgood Lounge, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Manor and Magnolias.

If you or someone you know has been assaulted and needs help, call The Cottage’s 24-hour hotline: 1-877-363-1912.

Sally K. Sheppard

Executive Director, The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center

Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.