Bystander Intervention

Bystander Intervention involves safe and positive options that might be carried out by an individual or individuals to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Bystander Intervention includes:

• Recognizing the situation of potential harm
• Understanding institutional structures and cultural conditions that facilitate violence
• Overcoming barriers to intervening
• Identifying safe and effective intervention options; and
• Taking action to intervene

Being a Proactive Bystander
A Proactive Bystander is someone who recognizes a problem early on and decides to offer assistance. If you know someone who might be in an abusive relationship, you can help.

• Tell the person that you are concerned.
• Actively listen and respond positively and sensitively
• Offer your friendship and support.
• Encourage the person to seek counseling
• Let them know that this type of behavior isn’t normal

Being a Reactive Bystander
A Reactive Bystander is someone who decides to positively intervene in hopes of de-escalating the situation.

• Get Help! Contact Campus Police or other authorities
• Create a distraction
• Offer to take the victim to a safe location
• Avoid any confrontations with the abuser. This could be dangerous for you and the victim