Women of the Vine & Spirits Continues Ongoing Industry Training on Sexual Harassment and Bystander Training with Support from Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America

July 5, 2022 (New York, NY) – As part of an ongoing initiative to support those in the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries, Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS), hired RAINN to develop Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Training, customized specifically for the beverage alcohol industry. Through the financial support of WOTVS Corporate Member Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) the trainings are continuing for a third round in 2022. Together, the three organizations condemn the perpetuation of harassment of any kind and stand in solidarity with those who have been impacted.   

RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, will continue to provide the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries with trauma-informed education to increase awareness around sexual misconduct and strategies for prevention.  

This customized training funded by WOTVS was first held in April 2021, was open to all in beverage alcohol and hospitality, and covered topics such as bystander intervention, how the brain processes trauma, establishing and stating boundaries, and sexual misconduct and harassment prevention and response.   

DISCUS committed to join the effort to fund additional training and education in 2021 through June 2022. To continue this effort WSWA has joined forces with DISCUS and WOTVS to provide six additional trainings, with RAINN beginning this July. 

“Women of the Vine & Spirits, together with DISCUS and WSWA, pledge to continue to work to eradicate harassment and co-create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all to succeed,” said Founder & CEO of Women of the Vine & Spirits, Deborah Brenner. “We hope that through greater access to educational training and development, we can collectively work towards a safer and more unbiased industry for all.”  

Through this partnership, RAINN will provide multiple training sessions tailored for all sectors across all tiers of the beverage alcohol industry. Each level of the training will be held three times on the WOTVS platform and will be open to those in beverage alcohol and hospitality. 

Level 1: Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response Training  

In this 90-minute session, RAINN will begin with exploring the complexities of sexual misconduct and how common misconceptions play a role in the experiences of survivors. Participants will deepen their understanding of the link between power dynamics and common responses to trauma. With this foundational knowledge, participants will learn skills and strategies for creating safe, supportive communities. These strategies will include practical tools for setting and protecting boundaries, intervening in potentially unsafe or uncomfortable situations, and supporting survivors in sensitive, trauma-informed ways.  

Level 2: Strategies for Creating Safe, Healthier Communities 

Building upon the education and skills learned in RAINN’s Level 1 Training, this 90-minute session will be a deeper dive into understanding the complexities of sexual misconduct, including recognizing pervasive myths and misconceptions as well as understanding how our own biases influence our responses. In this interactive, skills-based session, participants will deepen their understanding of how to create safer, supportive communities through the application of strategies around boundary-setting, bystander intervention, and community conversations, and how to promote community-wide change through a trauma-informed framework. Participants will receive a resource guide that bridges the gap between the concepts discussed and actionable skills specific to roles of prevention and response.  

“Sexual harassment has absolutely no place in our industry,” said President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Chris Swonger. “On behalf of our member companies, we are fully invested in this work, alongside our partners at Women of the Vine & Spirits and WSWA, to provide this best-in-class prevention and response education. We all play a pivotal role in this effort, and education is the first step.”  

“It is incumbent upon us all to create a safe and professional environment for our colleagues,” said Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Chairman Tom Cole. “Sexual harassment of any kind is intolerable and WSWA is dedicated to working with its industry partners to provide positive tools that create a safer, more inclusive wine and spirits marketplace. This is an issue that impacts every tier of our industry, and one that can be solved through responsible education and a commitment to zero tolerance.” 

Training Sessions are currently scheduled for: 

                                                  Level 1                                                Level 2 

Visit the WOTVS Events page for more information and to register for the training sessions at https://www.womenofthevine.com/cpages/rainn-trainings-1. 

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, anonymous, 24/7 support via phone at 800.656.4673 or chat via the online hotline. RAINN’s website (www.rainn.org) also provides information on supporting loved ones who are survivors, helping yourself heal if you’ve been directly affected by sexual violence, and how to be part of creating safer communities.  

Legal Disclaimer:  Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS), Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) are not liable for any damages related to the use of these programs and materials (“Program”).  Anyone electing to participate does so on a voluntary basis and agrees to waive any claims against WOTVS/DISCUS/WSWA related to the Program.  Nothing in the Program constitutes legal advice, WOTVS/DISCUS/WSWA make no warranty as to Program content, and any views or opinions shared during the Program does not necessarily reflect the views of WOTVS/DISCUS/WSWA or their members. 

Women of the Vine & Spirits Corporate Members include Founding Member: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Diamond Members: Breakthru Beverage Group; Bronco Wine Company; Brown- Forman; E. & J. Gallo Winery; Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd.; Moët Hennessy USA; Republic National Distributing Company; Shaw-Ross International Importers, Skrewball Whiskey, and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; Platinum Members: Beam Suntory; Constellation Brands; J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines; O’Neill Vintners and Distillers, Pernod Ricard USA; and William Grant & Sons. For a full list of Corporate Members including those at the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Associate level, visit the Corporate Members tab at womenofthevine.com

About Women of the Vine & Spirits  

Women of the Vine & Spirits is the leading membership organization, worldwide, dedicated to boldly pushing the wine, beer and spirits industry toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive era that empowers all to succeed. Our members connect through our global network and collaborate across all industry sectors. We provide our members with benefits that include education, training, mentorship, and networking as well as tools, services and resources toward DE&I, and personal and business development. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com.

About The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States   

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation. www.distilledspirits.org

About Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America 

WSWA is the national trade association representing the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 380 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.  To learn more, please visit www.wswa.org or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.