One of the ways 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.
We can intervene 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.
How to Intervene
There are many different ways to intervene. Choose a strategy that feels most comfortable and safe for the situation.
Direct
Directly 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 a sexist joke
- 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 University staff or faculty to help.
- File a CARE report when you feel concerned about someone’s safety.
- Enlist the help of a friend of the person you’re concerned about.
Distract
Deescalate the situation by creating a distraction.
Examples:
- Pretend you know someone from class and ask them for notes.
- Drop or spill something to draw people’s attention.
Delay
If safety is a concern, you can check in with the person being harmed at a time when it is safer to do so.
Examples:
- Ask questions like “How can I support you?” or “Would it be okay if I share some resources with you?”
- You can offer to accompany them to a support center or their next destination, “Would you like me to walk with you to the Gender Equity Center or University Health Services?” or “Would it feel helpful if I walk with you to your next class?”