Bystander Intervention
The Clery Act defines bystander intervention as, "Safe and positive options that may 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 situations 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.” (34 CFR 668.46(j)(2)(ii))
- 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.
- Confront people who seclude, hit on, try to make out with, or have sex with people who are incapacitated.
- Speak up when someone discusses plans to take sexual advantage of another person.
- Believe someone who discloses sexual assault, abusive behavior, or experience with stalking.
- Refer people to on- or off-campus resources for support in health, counseling, or with legal assistance.