Sexual assault and interpersonal violence are complex and very real issues on and off campus. In order to address this reality, all members of the campus community and relevant off-campus support agencies must work together. Everyone has a role to play in ending sexual violence. To prevent gender-based violence, it is important that people are approached as potential witnesses or bystanders to behaviors related to sexual or dating violence.
Proactive Bystander Intervention
In order to be a proactive bystander who helps prevent incidents of sexual violence, you can…
- Believe violence is unacceptable and say it out loud
- Talk openly with your friends about these issues
- Use the resources listed in this brochure to inform yourself
- Don’t laugh at sexist jokes or comments
- Empower victims to tell their stories
Reactive Bystander Strategies
In order to be a reactive bystander who positively intervenes in instances
of sexual harassment or violence, there are certain ways you can step up
to prevent a risky situation from resulting in an assault.
- Assume responsibility for intervening. Don’t be afraid to get involved
- Get help from friends
- Get help from campus safety or other college authorities for support
- and options
- Ask the person who is in a potentially dangerous situation if he/she
- wants to leave
- Ask the victim if she/he is ok
- Provide options and a listening ear