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Bystanders and others

As a bystander or witness to unlawful discrimination or harassment, you can play an essential role in supporting the person(s) targeted. Individuals who experience unlawful discrimination or harassment, and bystanders who witness it, have the right to report it.

All relevant details about the alleged unlawful discrimination or harassment should be provided by the reporting individual or the person who witnessed the incident. This includes the name of the reporting individual, the names of the individuals involved, to include witnesses and any other relevant facts (e.g., date, time and location of incident).

The University will take the necessary steps to protect from retaliation those, who in good faith, report incidents of possible unlawful discrimination or harassment.

What can you do as a bystander?

You have the power to make a difference. If we all intervene as bystanders, we can stop sexual assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. It is important to note that staying safe is of the utmost importance. Only intervene if it is safe to do so.

The following provides examples of how to intervene as a bystander.

Direct. Confront (without placing yourself in danger) either the potential target or the person who you think is about to engage in inappropriate behavior. Tell the person to stop, or tell them what they are doing is not acceptable behavior or it is not an acceptable activity.

Delegate. When you do not feel safe to approach the situation alone, look to involve others. Involve friends to assist you in getting the person at risk to a safe place. Reporting the behavior or activity to the police or others in authority is also delegation.

Distract. This technique involves causing some form of distraction that will interrupt the flow of potential misconduct. You may want to tell the person their car is being towed or that you recognize them from class to distract them so you and/or friends can take the person at risk to a safe place.

Safety suggestions

While there is no absolute way to prevent sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk and promote the safety of others.  

  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Try to avoid isolated areas and situations.
  • Trust your instincts.
  • Have a plan as to how you will get home safely.
  • Go with a group of friends and agree to watch out for each other.
  • Do not leave your drink unattended.
  • Do not accept open drinks or drinks you did not watch being made.
  • Do not drink from common open containers.
  • Do not leave a drunk or drugged friend at a party.
  • Communicate your limits and desires firmly.
  • If you see a friend in a situation that does not feel quite right, create a distraction and assist your friend to leave.
  • If you see someone who looks uncomfortable or at risk, step in without placing yourself in danger.
  • Enlist the help of others to diffuse a risky situation.
  • Call the police or tell someone in a position to help.
  • on your phone.