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 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 deescalating 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
