Bystander intervention from A to Z

1. Bystander interventionfromA to Z One Act encourages all of us to be active bystanders: when we see something that could lead to sexual assault or rape, we do something! Here are some strategies for bystander intervention.

2. A Ask for help. Find an ally to help you intervene.

3. B Buy some time. Engage the potential perpetrator and/or potential victim in a conversation to delay an incident

4. C Consent: an enthusiastic, sober yes. Keep this in mind when you see two people about to hook up. If they really want to be together, they’ll wait until they’re sober

5. D Dance intervention. If someone looks uncomfortable on the dance floor, ask them for a dance to give them space to leave

6. E Extract the potential victim. Ask them to come with you and check something out. It can be anything; get creative!

7. F Fake a friendship! Pretend you know the potential victim or potential perpetrator and make conversation with them

8. G Get them a ride home. Offer to call a cab or find a sober driver

9. H Hit the lights. “Accidentally” turn on the lights if you see something suspicious

10. I Involve the host/bouncer. They have the authority to kick people out if they are making others uncomfortable

11. J Just jump into the conversation. If you don’t know those involved, pretend you do or introduce yourself. Don’t be intimidated! Bring a friend to help you tag team

12. K Klutziness: a great cover for intervention. Accidentally bumping into someone or mistaking the potential victim for a friend are easy diversions

13. L Let’s take a picture! Initiate a group photo to give the potential victim space to leave

14. M Mistaken identity. Pretend the potential victim is your friend, roommate, sibling, or classmate as a way to insert yourself into the situation.

15. N New location! Move the party elsewhere. If things are getting out of hand, suggest getting food on Franklin

16. O Offer to walk someone home. Bring a friend so you don’t have to walk back alone

17. P Pause the music “accidentally” briefly if you see someone looking uncomfortable on the dance floor

18. Q Quick check in. If you think something is suspicious, check in. This can be as simple as asking, “so how do you two know each other?” or “is everything okay here?”

19. R Recognize warning signs. Look for body language and other cues that let you know someone might need help

20. S Spill a drink if you think it’s been drugged. While this might be a “party foul,” it’s better to be safe than sorry

21. T Talk directly. Tell the potential perpetrator their behavior is not cool and could get them in serious trouble if they continue. Enlist the help of a friend or the host if you don’t want to have this conversation one on one

22. U Unite the potential victim with their friends if they have been isolated

23. V Visibility is key. Make it known that you are an ally against interpersonal violence – this will cause others to think critically about the issue

24. W Water! Offer an inebriated person water instead of an alcoholic drink.

25. X Excuses so you and a friend can escape a sketchy party – you feel sick, you had too much to drink, you have work in the morning, your family is coming to visit, you have an assignment due that you forgot about, whatever it takes to leave!

26. Y Yak it up. Once you are asserted into the situation, just keep talking, even if you feel awkward. Don’t let the potential perpetrator box you out.

27. Z Zip on over to a One Act training to learn more about how to be an active bystander and reduce interpersonal violence on UNC’s campus!

28. Learn more at:http://Campushealth.unc.edu/oneact