SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH - STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREVENT SEXUAL ASSAULT
Everyone has a role to play in preventing sexual assault. There are many different ways that you can step in or make a difference if you see someone at risk. This approach to preventing sexual assault is referred to as “bystander intervention.”
How can I play a role in preventing sexual assault?
The key to keeping your friends safe is learning how to intervene in a way that fits the situation and your comfort level. Having this knowledge on hand can give you the confidence to step in when something isn’t right. Stepping in can make all the difference, but it should never put your own safety at risk.
Create a distraction
Do what you can to interrupt the situation. A distraction can give the person at risk a chance to get to a safe place.
Cut off the conversation with a diversion like, “Let’s get pizza, I’m starving,” or “This party is lame. Let’s try somewhere else.”
Bring out fresh food or drinks and offer them to everyone at the party, including the people you are concerned about.
Start an activity that is draws other people in, like a game, a debate, or a dance party.
Ask directly
Talk directly to the person who might be in trouble.
Ask questions like “Who did you come here with?” or “Would you like me to stay with you?”
Refer to an authority
Sometimes the safest way to intervene is to refer to a neutral party with the authority to change the situation, like an RA or security guard.
Talk to a security guard, bartender, or another employee about your concerns. It’s in their best interest to ensure that their patrons are safe, and they will usually be willing to step in.
Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you are concerned for someone else’s safety.
Enlist others
It can be intimidating to approach a situation alone. Enlist another person to support you.
Ask someone to come with you to approach the person at risk. When it comes to expressing concern, sometimes there is power in numbers.
Ask someone to intervene in your place. For example, you could ask someone who knows the person at risk to escort them to the bathroom.
Enlist the friend of the person you’re concerned about. “Your friend looks like they’ve had a lot to drink. Can you check on them?”
Your actions matter
Whether or not you were able to change the outcome, by stepping in you are helping to change the way people think about their role in preventing sexual assault. If you suspect that someone you know has been sexually assaulted, there are steps you can take to support that person and show you care.
To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org.
For more information go to https://www.rainn.org/safety-prevention