Leesburg Restaurants Implement 'Ask For Angela' Program As Part Of Safe Bar Initiative

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County's Safe Bar Initiative is coming to two Leesburg restaurants. The facilities, Delirium Cafe and Loudoun Kitchen and Bar, are implementing the "Ask for Angela" program.

The Safe Bar Initiative is an effort from the Sexual Assault Response Team, which is a joint effort between local police departments, sheriff's offices, the Commonwealth Attorney's Office, and the LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services

The Ask For Angela program allows for customers to discreetly let employees know they need assistance through the use of a codeword or phrase. The program is designed for people who feel unsafe, intimidated, or threatened, authorities said. Trained staff members can then take action to create a safer environment.

In Loudoun County, the program began on a pilot basis on Friday. It is scheduled to continue through the end of the month. In May, members of the Sexual Assault Response Team plan to bring the initiative to more locations throughout the county.

In the U.S., the program has taken on a variety of codewords. Often, the codewords are published in a poster in the women's restroom.

Samantha Clarke is the interim CEO of LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services "We are excited to have the partnership and support of our local businesses and non-profit groups, as well as the Leesburg Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department, Purcellville Police Department, and the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to implement this first of its kind safety initiative here in the County."

Buta Biberaj, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Loudoun County, hopes the Ask for Angela program can inspire community members to keep each other safe.

"Programs like ‘Ask for Angela’ are opportunities for our community to participate in the protection of others and in the prevention of criminal/unsafe behaviors," Biberaj said in a news release. "This is the primary way of preventing victimization. With all of our SART partners, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney will continue to promote community engagement."

Anyone who would like to learn more information about the Ask for Angela initiative can contact the Sexual Assault Response Team at 703-777-3855.