This Section's arrow_downward Theme Info Is:

  • Background Image: ""
  • Theme: "light-theme"
  • Header Style: "purple_dominant"
  • Card Height Setting: "consistent_row_height"
  • Section Parallax: "0"
  • Section Parallax Height: ""

Most people want to step in to help another person in a potentially harmful situation, whether it be a person making a friend uncomfortable at a party, or a co-worker who is being stalked, or anything in between. Being a bystander, or someone who intervenes to interrupt or prevent sexual violence or harm, can make a positive difference in the impacted person’s life. We all have a part to play in protecting the Husky Pack.

Sometimes barriers can prevent us from intervening. Barriers can be thoughts like, “Someone else will know how to help better than I can”, or “If no one else has stepped in yet, maybe nothing is wrong” or other concerns, like not knowing how to perform a specific skill, like CPR. If you’re unsure what to do, intervene at your comfort level. Start by knowing campus and community resources and sharing them broadly within your networks.

"As a bystander, you don’t have to have all the answers. You just need to take action to de-escalate the situation. The goal is to interrupt the problematic interaction while creating safety for all involved."

– Husky Prevention and Response Training

This Section's arrow_downward Theme Info Is:

  • Background Image: ""
  • Theme: "gold-light-theme"
  • Header Style: "purple_dominant"
  • Card Height Setting: "consistent_row_height"
  • Section Parallax: "0"
  • Section Parallax Height: ""

Sex- and Gender-Based Violence

Review the different types of sex- and gender-based violence.

This Section's arrow_downward Theme Info Is:

  • Background Image: ""
  • Theme: "light-theme"
  • Header Style: "purple_dominant"
  • Card Height Setting: "consistent_card_height"
  • Section Parallax: "0"
  • Section Parallax Height: ""

How to Intervene as a Bystander

Remember Your Personal Safety: Your personal safety does not need to be put at risk to intervene effectively. Consider actions that fit your comfort level while still applying one of the intervention options below.

This Cards' arrow_downward Theme Info Is:

  • Theme: gold-theme
  • Show Full Image: Unspecified. Using Default: "Fill Container, Allow Cropping"
  • Image Position: Unspecified. Using Default: "Center Center"

This Cards' arrow_downward Theme Info Is:

  • Theme: gold-theme
  • Show Full Image: Unspecified. Using Default: "Fill Container, Allow Cropping"
  • Image Position: Unspecified. Using Default: "Center Center"

This Cards' arrow_downward Theme Info Is:

  • Theme: gold-theme
  • Show Full Image: Unspecified. Using Default: "Fill Container, Allow Cropping"
  • Image Position: Unspecified. Using Default: "Center Center"

This Cards' arrow_downward Theme Info Is:

  • Theme: gold-theme
  • Show Full Image: Unspecified. Using Default: "Fill Container, Allow Cropping"
  • Image Position: Unspecified. Using Default: "Center Center"

This Section's arrow_downward Theme Info Is:

  • Background Image: ""
  • Theme: "light-theme"
  • Header Style: "purple_dominant"
  • Card Height Setting: "consistent_row_height"
  • Section Parallax: "0"
  • Section Parallax Height: ""

Responding with Care & Concern

  • Validate that any response to this experience is normal. Consider validating by saying “I am so glad you shared this with me”, “I’m here to listen and support you. What ideas do you have about what you need right now?”, or “How can I help?”
  • Listen empathetically. Keep your focus on them and avoid placing any blame on them.
  • Connect to support. Share campus and community resources by saying, “You don’t have to face this alone, there are resources specifically for you that can provide support and help you review your options. SafeCampus is a good place to start. Would you like to call to them, or would you like me to call? Or, we can call together. You can share as much or as little information as you’d like.”

Positive Outcomes of Intervening

  • Interrupting any current harm
  • De-escalating a situation for all parties
  • Feeling like you made a difference with your support
  • Showing the impacted person that they are seen and supported
  • Building awareness of sexual violence resources
  • Contributing to the movement to end sexual violence

Take Care of Yourself. Sometimes responding and intervening in difficult situations can impact us as bystanders. Be sure to take care of yourself by being aware of your well-being, engage in self-care, and accessing resources if you need them.