Bystander Intervention

If you believe relationship violence, sexual misconduct or stalking may be occurring or is about to occur, there are ways you can help.

Being an active bystander does not mean putting yourself in danger. Depending on the situation, you may be able to interrupt what is happening, check in with the person who may need help, involve others or contact someone who can assist.

One way to remember these approaches is CARE: Create a distraction, Ask, Refer and Enlist others.

C — Create a Distraction

Interrupt the situation in a way that gives the person an opportunity to leave or changes what is happening.

A distraction can be simple:

• Start a conversation: "Hey, how are you doing?"
• Ask a question: "Do you know where the bathroom is?"
• Invite the person to join you or your group.
• Ask for help with something.
• Bring other people into the area.

The goal is to interrupt the situation without unnecessarily escalating it.

A — Ask

If it is safe to do so, check in directly with the person you are concerned about.

You might ask:

• "Are you OK?"
• "Do you need help?"
• "Do you want to leave?"
• "Would you like me to stay with you?"
• "Do you need a ride home?"

Whenever possible, talk with the person privately and give them an opportunity to tell you what they need.

R — Refer to an Authority

You do not have to handle a potentially dangerous situation on your own.

Depending on the circumstances, seek assistance from someone who can help, such as an SVSU resident assistant, university employee, SVSU University Police or local law enforcement.

If there is an immediate threat to someone's safety, call 911.

If intervening directly could put you or someone else in danger, seek help rather than confronting the situation yourself.

E — Enlist Others

There is strength in numbers. Ask other people to help you intervene or get assistance.

You might:

• Ask friends to help create a distraction.
• Find someone who knows the individuals involved.
• Ask an SVSU employee or resident assistant for assistance.
• Have someone stay with the person while another person gets help.
• Contact SVSU University Police or emergency services when appropriate.

Working together can provide additional options while helping everyone remain safe.

Your Actions Matter

You do not have to know exactly what to say or do to make a difference. Recognizing a concerning situation and choosing to act — whether by checking in, creating a distraction, getting others involved or seeking help — can help create a safer SVSU community.

If someone tells you they have experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, sexual harassment or stalking, listen without judgment, respect their decisions and help connect them with resources if they want assistance.

View SVSU Support and Resources

Source: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)