How to Be an Active Bystander

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Bystanders play a critical role in the prevention of sexual and relationship violence. They are “individuals who observe violence or witness the conditions that perpetuate violence. They are not directly involved but have the choice to intervene, speak up, or do something about it.”[1] The College wants to promote a culture of community accountability where bystanders are actively engaged in the prevention of violence without causing further harm.  Below is a list[2] of some ways to be an active bystander. Further information regarding bystander intervention may be found. If someone else is in immediate danger, dial 911.This could be when a person is yelling at or being physically abusive towards another and it is not safe for you to interrupt.

1. Watch out for your friends and fellow students/employees. If you see someone who looks like they could be in trouble or need help, ask if they are ok.
2. Confront people who seclude, hit on, and try to make out with, or have sex with people who are incapacitated.
3. Speak up when someone discusses plans to take sexual advantage of another person.
4. Believe someone who discloses sexual assault, abusive behavior, or experience with stalking.
5. Refer people to on or off campus resources listed in this document for support in health, counseling, or with legal assistance.

Any faculty, staff, or student who witnesses or has knowledge of a crime including violations of sexual misconduct is considered a bystander.  The College strongly encourages the intervention of bystanders to help prevent and/or report a crime in safe ways.  Bystander invention is “recognizing a potentially harmful situation or interaction and choosing to respond in a way that could positively influence the outcome.”  To intervene safely, bystanders should intervene in groups rather than individually.  Choosing a method of intervention that de-escalates the situation is safer than attempting a confrontation; however, there is no one single rule for every situation.  The College will take all reasonable protective measures for victims and any bystanders who have intervened in the situation. The reasons for any accommodations/protective measures will remain confidential to extent possible as long as the confidentiality does not impair the ability of the College to provide the accommodations/protective measures. The College will provide written notification to a victim or bystander regarding the protective measures the College can take, if needed.