SEXUAL
ASSAULT
SERVICES
ORGANIZATION

We are all affected by acts of violence in our communities. In seeking new ways to prevent violence against women and girls, deeply held belief systems about sexual assault and domestic violence need to be dispelled. These issues need to be reframed not as “women’s issues”, but as “everyone’s issues.” Many assume that the only victims of domestic violence and rape are those who have been assaulted. Bystander intervention is an inclusive prevention strategy aimed at reducing violence by increasing awareness of issues and empowering individuals to speak up when witnessing potentially violent situations.

Bystander intervention is the acknowledgment that most of us are not perpetrators of abuse and do not support these attitudes and behaviors. Many people witness various forms of violence but don’t define it as such. For instance, if you overhear sexist comments being made by males in reference to a passing female, you are witnessing a form of gender violence. Although it may feel uncomfortable to intervene, we have a moral responsibility for taking action.

People often tend to shy away from what might be considered “not our business.” By not speaking up and intervening when we see abusive acts, we send the message that these forms of violence whether subtle or overt, are acceptable. Men have a previously unidentified stake in increasing awareness and prevention of gender violence. Men know girlfriends, sisters, wives, daughters, and friends who are affected by sexual assault and domestic violence. Men are equally outraged by acts of abuse that a small minority perpetrates against many, and they need to know that other males who feel similarly support them. The public focus needs to shift from men as potential perpetrators to men as potential allies.

Bystander intervention is a tool utilized in many prevention programs. The Sexual Assault Services Organization (SASO) implements the Mentors in Violence Prevention curriculum (MVP), created by Jackson Katz, which emphasizes how anyone may have the opportunity to prevent violence before it escalates. Individuals are shown that as witnesses, they are capable of confronting abuse and serving as mentors for peers. SASO currently utilizes this curriculum with middle-, high-, and college-aged audiences, but the program has been used with a wider audience including professional sports teams.

The threat of harm often prevents people from speaking out. MVP offers alternatives to actions that may result in retaliation toward the bystander and the potential victim. Some alternatives include creating diversions, involving others who may help, or by simply drawing attention to the situation. MVP encourages participants to think about what it means to stand up for someone and to understand the implications when choosing to do nothing. An emphasis is made to shift the focus away from regarding males as potential perpetrators and females as potential victims, but both genders as empowered bystanders and supportive friends. There is a strong need for leadership, as well as the courage and strength it takes to speak up. All members of any community can serve as mentors to increase the prevention of pain and suffering.

The MVP program shows promise in promoting positive change to reduce violence. If a critical mass of people on our communities begins to speak up, this will help to create a climate where disrespectful and abusive actions become increasingly socially unacceptable.

If you feel that you are witnessing a potentially violent or abusive situation and choose to intervene the following suggestions may help:

· Ensure that you are in a situation where it is safe to act or intervene.
· Make sure that your actions won’t result in violence against someone else.
· Attempt to draw the attention of others nearby to the situation.
· If no one else is around, attempt to distract the potential perpetrator/abuser enough to stop the violence or abuse.
· If you hear disturbing conversation that demeans others or sounds offensive, don’t remain silent. Silence is complicity.
· If you are uncomfortable with verbal intervention, even walking away from a group of friends who are instigating harassing behavior or conversation sends a message.
· Intervention doesn’t have to result from one person’s action. A united front can be a powerful force. Encourage others to act.