Bystander Intervention
Are you familiar with the role of bystanders when it comes to the issue of sexual harassment and sexual assault? If you've been to one of our education sessions, you've heard our call to arms for all university members to take on the role of bystander when it is safe to do so.
Bystanders are anyone who is not directly involved in the situation - student, friend, colleague, co-worker, passer-by, family member, etc - who has the choice to intervene. The safest way to intervene is to keep your distance and call 911 or CEP.
Hearing a comment made in a meeting, a comment that was not directed at you, provides an opportunity for a bystander to intervene. In this situation, you could address the comment in the moment, or, later you could approach the person who it was directed at and see if they could use some support.
If it is safe to do so, finding an excuse to interrupt a situation is another approach for a bystander. For example, when a situation just doesn't seem right you could approach that person asking 'hey, aren't you in my math class?'. This excuse will give you a moment to interrupt the situation and have a chance to ask the individual if they are alright or need help.
When you are not directly involved in the situation, it is quite helpful to intervene as a bystander and speak out against sexual harassment and sexual assault. Many universities across Canada are engaging their community members in bystander intervention, and it is not exclusive to universities. Check out this article about Project Soundcheck; bringing bystander intervention training to music festivals.