Bystander Intervention programs aim to empower individuals to confidently intervene in an incident in order to stop it.  Individuals learn how to prevent and de-escalate situations. Engaging the broader community, raising awareness of sexual violence in addition to changing the social norms are some of the outcomes of bystander intervention training (Straatman, Anna-Lee).

Click here for more information on how students can register to participate in upcoming Bringing in the Bystander training.

 

HELPFUL BEHAVIOURS FOR BYSTANDER INTERVENTION

BEFORE (risky behaviours that could escalate to something more serious)         

  • Walk a friend home from a party who has had too much to drink.
  • Make sure I leave a party with the same people I came with.
  • Ask for verbal consent with my partner.
  • Stop when my partner says stop.
  • Try to get help to intervene if I saw several strangers dragging an individual upstairs to their room.
  • Warn a stranger if I saw someone spike their drink.

DURING (an incident involving some kind of violence)

  • I confront a friend if I see them grabbing, pushing, and insulting their partner.
  • I get help from others:  friends or professionals, to intervene if I saw a friend grab, push, or insult their partner.
  • If I hear what sounds like yelling and fighting through my residence walls, I go get a Residence Assistant (RA) or someone else for help.
  • Call 911 if I hear someone yelling, fighting, or calling for help.
  • If someone is being shoved or yelled at, I ask them if they need help.

AFTER (being an ally)    

  • Call a Residence Assistant (RA) or a counselor if a friend told me they were sexually assaulted.
  • Let a friend know that I am available for support and help if I suspected they were sexually assaulted.
  • Share information about sexual assault and violence with my friends.
  • If I hear an acquaintance talking about forcing someone to have sex, I speak up against it and express concern for the person who was forced.
  • Call 911 if a stranger needs help.

For more helpful tips, please click here to view the Helping Behaviours Grid as well as a list of Helpful Bystander Behaviours.