Support and Intervention
Bystander Intervention
What is a bystander?
Someone who witnesses or observes acts or situations that create the potential for violence or danger. While they may not be directly involved in the situation, they are present and, in a position, to discourage or prevent an incident of potential violence, harassment, or discrimination.
What is bystander intervention?
When individuals take positive action in the face of social injustice or when another person is in need of assistance.
What are the Five D's of Bystander Intervention?
If you see someone who might need help, here are five ways you can support them:
- Distract: draw attention away from the intensity of the interaction. You can start a conversation with the person who needs help, create a physical distraction, or make a scene.
- Delegate: ask others around you for help diffusing a situation. This can include delegating to people you know, finding a stranger, or using on-campus resources.
- Document: document to have proof or evidence for after a situation. This works best when two guidelines are met--make sure someone is already intervening and make sure you provide any documentation you gather to the person who needed help. Documentation can include cellphone cameras/audio recording or a written account of the situation. Do not cause further harm. You can also share this with the Office of the Dean of Students or the UCCS Police. Avoid sharing any videos or photos of the incident on social media or with the news.
- Delay: check in on the person after the situation has ended. Checking in can be a way of validating someone's experiences and showing them that they are not alone.
- Direct: confront the situation by setting a clear boundary with the person who may be causing problems. Always consider your physical safety before confronting the person causing harm. If you feel that it is not safe for you to intervene, please delegate to UCCS Police at 719-255-3111 or via the UCCS Safe App.
Someone has just disclosed an incident of abuse or violence to you. What’s next?
- Empathize with the survivor’s situation and ask whether or not they believe that they are currently safe.
- Do not overshare regarding your own personal experiences (if you have them).
- Ask if that individual has contacted Campus Police, or would like to, at the time of your conversation.
- It is okay if they are not ready to contact Campus Police. This always remains as an option, even in the future.
- If the survivor is currently with you, offer to call the OIE together.
- Ask the survivor how you can provide additional support.
- (Optional, but best practice) Check in with the survivor at a later date to see if there is anything else that you can do to assist them.
Action Items
Examples of Things to Say
“I know that was really difficult for you to share. Thank you for sharing with me.”
“I can see how hard this has been for you. It’s not your fault. You are not alone.”
“I want you to get the help you need. There are offices on campus that can help; would you like their information?”
Things to Remember
- It is important to communicate empathy and understanding to someone when they are telling you their story of harassment or violence.
- Be open to hearing what that person has to say. It is helpful to simply sit and listen without offering advice or direction.
- Ask how you can provide support to the individual.
- Allow the individual to make their own decisions regarding the next steps.
- Know your limits – Do not attempt to be someone’s counselor.
- Offer to get them in contact with someone that will be able to address their concerns.
- Refer to the OIE at (719) 255-4324.
- Refer to confidential on- and off-campus support resources.
- Avoid victim blaming statements.
Reporting Options
If you or someone you know has experienced unwanted conduct:
You have several reporting options. You can simultaneously pursue an internal complaint and a criminal complaint.
OIE encourages individuals who experience prohibited conduct to report the matter to the OIE as soon as possible. Individuals who wish to report they are the victim of a crime can also report to the UCCS Police Department.
Employees who are aware of prohibited conduct are required to report to the OIE.