No one has to do everything. Everyone has to do something.
What is a bystander?
A bystander is anyone in the community who sees or hears about a behavior that could lead to something high risk or harmful. Bystanders face the choice, “Do I get involved and try to make things better or do I ignore?”
The Three D’s of Bystander Intervention—Direct, Distract, Delegate—are strategies to help someone intervene in a potentially harmful or uncomfortable situation, particularly when someone is being harassed or harmed. Each “D” represents a different approach, depending on the situation and the comfort level of the bystander.
- Direct:
- This approach involves directly addressing the situation. A bystander steps in and speaks out, confronting the harasser or engaging with the person being targeted. It can be as simple as saying something like, “That’s not okay,” or asking the person being targeted if they are all right.
- Example: “Hey, what you’re saying is not appropriate.”
- Distract:
- Instead of confronting the harasser, the bystander creates a distraction to defuse the situation. This approach helps shift attention away from the problematic behavior without escalating the confrontation.
- Example: Asking for directions, spilling a drink, or starting an unrelated conversation to interrupt the harasser and give the target a chance to leave.
- Delegate:
- This involves seeking help from someone else who may have more authority or capability to intervene. It could be calling a manager, a security guard, or even the police, depending on the situation. This is useful when the bystander feels unsafe or unprepared to intervene directly.
- Example: “Excuse me, can you check on that situation over there? It looks like someone might need help.”
These strategies offer flexible options to intervene, ensuring safety and comfort for the bystander while still supporting the person in need.
New Bystander Training Opportunity for Students, Faculty, and Staff!
The Title IX office has partnered with the Ohio Men’s Action Network to offer an online training called The New Playbook.
The purpose of The New Playbook is to enhance the quality of life on campuses by establishing a healthier definition of masculinity and healthier norms surrounding gender-based violence. By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Define violence and its impact on individuals and communities
- Recognize behaviors that silently support violence perpetration
- Understand the necessary qualities for anti-violence leadership within their social networks
Registration for the online program is simple. Visit the program website and select “Sign Up”. You will then be prompted to enter your name, email address, and the create a login. Once you’re set up you can choose The New Playbook from the list of course options available.
An in-person version of this training will be offered to faculty and staff on December 10th and 11th from 9am-1pm. Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. If you are interested in participating, please complete this brief registration form. The training is funded by a grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Enrollment is limited to 25 individuals.