Lawrenceville United and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape held a workshop earlier this month for Pittsburghers to learn how to intervene if they see an incident of sexual harassment or violence.
The training was in response to alleged incidences of stalking that have taken place in Lawrenceville over the past few weeks, according to Lawrenceville United Executive Director Dave Breingan.
"There were mutliple women in the neighborhood who were being stalked or harassed by the same individual," Breingan said. "It came to our attention through a social media site."
PAAR's said one strategy to stop an incident of harrassment or assault in progress is to pretend you know the victim in order to take them away from the situation. Another method is to cause a distraction that would allow the victim to get away.
Attendee Keshira haLev Fife of Regent Square said she came away from the event feeling positive.
"As a woman of color I often don't feel empowered, and I realized that there are many ways I can intervene and make a difference for somebody other than being confrontational," haLev Fife said.
Some people at the meeting said they felt it was important to attend such a training because of the current political climate.
Breingan said Lawrenceville United is working with Pittsburgh Police on this issue. Police urge residents to file a report if they're a victim of stalking, harassment or assault.
