Being an Active Bystander
We are all responsible for the well-being of our campus community. If you see something, say something. If you are a student, staff, faculty, or family member and are concerned for a student’s health or well-being, please SUBMIT A CARE TEAM REFERRAL.
Know the Steps to Intervene
- Notice the event: Be aware of your surroundings and notice the events around you.
- Interpret the event as a problem: Investigate. Do I recognize that someone needs help?
- Assume personal responsibility: Take responsibility for the well-being of everyone in the community.
- Step Up: Educate yourself on what to do if someone is in trouble.
- Support: Listen and offer to contact a confidential resource. Be a Saint.
- Tell another person: Call the police/911, especially if the situation looks dangerous.
- Separate: Step in directly or as a group and separate the persons involved.
- Ask if the person is okay: Be a friend, let them know you’re stepping in because you’re concerned.
- Listen to the person: Provide options and a listening ear.
- Ask the person if they want to leave: Make sure they get home safely.
Bystander Intervention As It Relates to Sexual Assault Prevention: Understand What Consent Is
- Willing: Consent is never given under pressure or by force and is expressed through words or actions that create a mutually understandable permission. You must be of legal age to give consent.
- Clear: Those who give consent have clearly communicated their willingness, cooperation, or permission to participate in the specific sexual activity.
- Ongoing: Consent must be granted every time. Individuals are able to cease ongoing consensual activity at any time.
- Coherent: Those who are incapacitated by drugs or alcohol cannot consent.