Bystander Intervention
The below information on bystander intervention was taken from the University of Wisconsin- Stout website at https://www.uwstout.edu/cvpp/bystander_intervention.html.
How many times have you been at a party or with a small group of friends and witnessed something that made you feel uneasy? Maybe it was someone pushing another person to leave with them, or someone drugging another person's drink. Or, maybe you saw a friend slap his or her date. What would you do?
You might be thinking, "That's none of my business." Or, you may think saying something would mean "sticking your nose in someone else's business."
If you stay silent you may be part of the problem.
Sexual assault rarely happens in a room full of people, and survivors often stay silent in an abusive relationship. But warning signs or red flags that a situation is about to become violent or abusive are often noticed by others. Stepping in to find out what's going on could prevent that someone from further danger and let him or her know you're available to help.
To be clear: This isn't about making decisions for people or it doesn't mean that you have to get in a fight. It could be as simple as interrupting the situation. Asking "where's the bathroom" could provide an opportunity for someone who is feeling cornered to slip away, or just checking in with the person you're concerned about. It could mean telling a friend that you don't like the way he or she is acting, or it could mean calling the police.
The point is, if you see or know of a violent or abusive situation do something! BREAK the SILENCE!
It could change the course of someone's life forever.