Bystander Intervention

Being a bystander is simple: all you are is present during an event or incident. The hard part is moving past that status and intervening if there is someone that needs assistance. There are four things that an active bystander should do in order to make sure everyone is safe.

  1. Notice the Event: By looking around and noticing what people are doing, you will be able to have as much information you need to make an informed judgement.
  2. Interpret the Situation: Do you think things are ok? Is there any harm, or is harm imminent? Is someone in distress? Make a decision on whether you are comfortable letting any actions continue.
  3. Assume Responsibility: If you think there is something that isn’t right, do something about it. Make the decision to take action
  4. Know How to Help: Do you need to say something or tell someone? Should you call 911 or UMPD?

Taking Action

Remember that you are not personally responsible for rescuing a person or assuming all of the responsibility for fixing a situation. No matter what your level of engagement looks like, you can make a difference in the outcome of the situation. Remember to stay calm; violence may escalate the situation and end up hurting others or yourself. Here are some strategies for safely intervening:

Create a distraction: Do you know the people in the situation? Maybe suggest that it’s time to leave or go get something to eat. Start a new activity and ask the person to join in.

Ask Directly: If you are comfortable approaching the people in the situation, asking questions can clarify what needs to be done next. “Are you ok? Do you need help?” “Do you need me to stay with you?” “Why don’t you come over here with me.”

Rally Others: You may not be comfortable intervening on your own. Find someone who can safely approach the situation, such as a friend. “Is that your friend over there? It looks like they need help.” This includes contacting 911, UMPD, or an RA.

Remember that the majority of sexual assaults co-occur with substance use like alcohol or other drugs and an estimated 80% of victims know their attacker. 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men are sexually assaulted during their time in college. You don’t need to be a hero to change the outcome of a situation. Working together as a community we can help to make our campus a safe space for everyone.

“Practicing Active Bystander Intervention.” RAINN. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://www.rainn.org/articles/practicing-active-bystander-intervention