What is bystander intervention?
Bystander intervention is a strategy for prevention of than can be used to intervene in situations of harmful behaviors and violence, including bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
What can I do to help?
- Create a habit to notice unsafe situations
- Evaluate the situation as a problem or potential for harm and SAFELY investigate
- If you decide that something is unsafe for the people involved, assume personal responsibility and know how to help
What step I take to intervene?
Here are a few strategies that can help
- Approach everyone as a friend
- Be honest and direct
- Don't be aggressive or use violence
- Keep yourself safe
- Get help from other bystanders, if necessary
- Call the police if a situation becomes too serious
Where can I learn more?
- The NSVRC has compiled a wealth of resources available at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
What can I do if I am a male and I haven’t been assaulted, but I want I want to help stop sexual assault in general?
- According to Futures without violence, most men are not violent toward women, however, many men have not been invited to join prevention efforts. It is great that you recognize your own ability to help because men’s participation is essential to actually end sexual violence.
- There are several ways men and boys can get involved in sexual violence prevention. This includes challenging cultural norms among your friends and classmates, as well as speaking out against the everyday culture that normalizes rape, battering, and sexist attitudes. For more information about strategies and resources that explain the special ways you can engage in prevention, visit the following websites to as a start: Engaging Men and Youth Program,The Good Men Project, National Organization For Men Against Sexism, and Men Can Stop Rape. If you find additional websites that should be on this list, please forward them to the Title IX Coordinator.
