Every campus has a population of bystanders who support sexual violence. They may not mean to do so, yet by not intervening when they see something happening, not reporting actions or dismissing certain behaviors, they are essentially sending a message to respondents that their actions are okay.
Proactive Bystander Strategies
In order to be a proactive bystander who helps prevent cases of sexual harassment or sexual violence, you can…
- Work to create an environment where sexual violence is unacceptable
- Treat people with respect
- Speak up when you hear people making statements that blame victims
- Talk openly with friends about the issues and how to confront them
- Encourage friends to trust their instincts in order to stay safe
- Be a knowledgeable resource for survivors
- Don’t laugh at sexist jokes or comments
- Look out for friends at parties and bars
- Educate yourself and your friends
- Use campus resources
- Attend an awareness event
- Empower survivors to tell their stories
Reactive Bystander Strategies
In order to be a reactive bystander who positively intervenes in instances of sexual harassment or sexual violence, you can…
- Get Campus Security or other authorities involved
- Create a distraction
- Get help
- Ask someone in a potentially dangerous situation if he/she is okay and/or wants to leave
- Make sure he/she gets home safely
- Intervene if you hear someone “targeting” another person
- Separate someone too intoxicated to consent from a potential assaulter
- Say or do something
Source: “What Can I Do?” Prevention Innovations, UNH
Contact Title IX Coordinator
Palmer Main Campus
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
563-884-5246
Palmer Florida
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
386-763-2665
Palmer West
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
408-944-6122