BYSTANDER INTERVENTION

Bystander Intervention biweekly health communication

WHO IS A BYSTANDER?

Many opportunities exist in daily life where people can help prevent behaviors that promote power-based personal violence.  

A bystander is someone who intervenes before, during, or after a situation.  

  • A Bystander can be Proactive or Reactive 
  • Reactive - in the moment intervention when you notice a potentially harmful situation 
  • Proactive - setting norms that violence isn’t going to be tolerated before harmful behaviors even happen  
  • Bystanders can speak up when they witness actions to foster a campus community where violence isn’t tolerated, and everyone does their part.

TYPES OF BYSTANDER INTERVENTION 


WHEN AND HOW TO INTERVENE

  • Every situation is different. There is no universal response when intervening to prevent a potentially harmful situation.  
  • Safety is key in deciding when and how to respond to violence. 
  • Every person must make their own decision about the safest and most meaningful way to intervene.  
  • When considering reactive intervention strategies, utilize the 3D’s - Direct, Delegate, Distract