Environmental Wellness

An Active Bystander is someone who not only witnesses a situation, but also takes steps to speak up or step in to keep a situation from escalating or to disrupt a problematic situation.

To tell if a situation is problematic and might require intervention, ask yourself these things:

• Is the behavior mutual or wanted?
• How would I feel if I were in this situation?
• Would I want someone to help me or intervene if I were in their shoes?
• What are pros and cons of intervening?
• Is there someone else who can help?
• Is it safe for me to intervene or should I call for help?

How Can I Be an Active Bystander?

Direct: address the behavior and the person being targeted directly. Try these sayings:

• “Do you need help?”
• “Do you want me to call someone for you?”
• “Can I walk you home?”
• “What can I do to help you?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delegate: It is important to keep your personal safety in mind. It is important you are comfortable and safe jumping into such situations. It is okay calling for help. Please do not hesitate to call Public Safety, the police, or seek out a staff or faculty member.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distract: If you are not sure how to directly address the situation, it might be best to derail the conversation or disrupt someone from taking steps further. Check out this video of one of our favorite distractions!

• Chip Guy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take Care of Yourself After Speaking Up:

Check in with yourself. You might feel confused, hurt, or frightened. This is normal.

Do NOT be afraid to ask for help! Talk it out with one of our Student Health and Counseling Center professional staff.

Know and respect your own limits. There is only so much you can do. Provide support, compassion, and companionship to a friend who needs help, but do not make commitments that you cannot fulfill.

Remember that this was not your fault.

 

Resources:

Bystander