One way to achieve a safe, healthy campus where everyone can thrive is through bystander intervention. Being an active bystander means recognizing potentially harmful situations and choosing to respond in a way that could positively influence the outcome. If a video of the incident was recorded, offer to share it with the person who is being harmed.
When to Intervene
A time to intervene is when we:
- See harmful behaviors, including signs of relationship violence, sexual assault or stalking and acts of discrimination or harassment.
- Hear harmful speech that promotes victim-blaming, sexism, racism, homophobia or ableism.
- Interrupt harmful behaviors or conversations, to show people around us that we are a community that cares for one another and that we do not condone these forms of violence.
There are many thoughts that might interrupt a person from intervening, such as:
Nobody else thinks this is a problem.
People may think that no one else thinks the situation is a problem because no one is stepping in to stop it. While many people may disagree with a situation, they do nothing about it outwardly.
It's not my problem.
Harassment, hate, and violence are everyone's problems. They affect the quality of life for people who are targeted as well as those who witness this behavior. They also shape the culture within communities, neighborhoods, campuses and workplaces. At 海角黑料, creating a safe and welcoming campus environment is everyone’s responsibility.
Speaking up would be embarrassing.
People are often afraid of embarrassing themselves or those involved in the situation. This is a legitimate fear, yet it is important to weigh the consequences of a potentially embarrassing moment with the consequences of experiencing sexual violence or other harmful situations.
Someone else will do it.
Shockingly, research shows that the more people witness a potentially dangerous situation, the less likely any one individual is to intervene, because people assume someone else will take care of it. This is referred to as the Bystander Effect.
I might get hurt trying to help.
This is a realistic fear that needs consideration. Always think about personal safety before intervening. Consider options that are unlikely to put someone in harm’s way. There is always something that can be done to help, even if it is simply calling the police.
How to Intervene
Choose the strategy that is most comfortable and safe for the situation.
Direct
Address the person who is causing harm or the person who is being harmed.
Examples:
- Ask "What do you mean by that?" when someone tells an inappropriate joke.
- Tell a harasser, "Leave them alone." "That’s not okay." "That’s disrespectful."
- Ask someone, "Do you need anything?" or "Can I help you call a ride home?"
Delegate
Ask others for help or delegate tasks to them.
Examples:
- Ask professors, resident assistants or any college staff or faculty to help.
- File a (BIT) report when concerned about someone’s safety.
- Enlist the help of a friend of the person who may be in a harmful situation.
- Contact a manager or person in charge of the area where an incident is occurring.
Distract
De-escalate the situation by creating a distraction.
Examples:
- Pretend you know someone from class and ask them for notes.
- Pretend to be lost and ask for directions.
- Strike up a conversation about something random, like the weather or something they are wearing.
- Drop or spill something to draw people’s attention.
Delay
Check in with the person who is being harmed at a time when it is safe to do so.
Examples:
- Ask questions like "How can I support you?" or "Would it be okay if I share some resources with you?"
- Offer to accompany them to a campus office or their next destination. "Would you like me to walk with you to the Counseling and Advocacy Center or the nurse's office?" or "Would it be helpful if I walk you to your next class?"