The Bystander Effect Presented by Justine, Tom, Kaity and Dylan Champlain College 1/29/15

What is a Bystander?

Bystander A person who is present at an event or incident but doesn’t take part or intervene

What is an Active Bystander?

Active Bystander A person who takes steps that can make a positive difference

The Bystander Effect When a perpetrator does something to another that contravenes norms or communal values, such as making a racist remark, and a bystander ignores it, then the offending person may think that such behavior is actually acceptable. Furthermore, the offended person may feel equally as attacked by the bystanders who don’t intervene as they do by the offender.

Situations Rude, inconsiderate, discriminatory or unprofessional behavior Inappropriate or offensive humor Peer pressure Cat calling Harassment based on gender, orientation, race, etc. Not following the buddy system Excessive drinking, drunk driving Non-consensual sexual advancement

Video 1 Link #1: M

Video 2 Link #2:

What would you do? Suggestions, ideas. thoughts?

What you can do Name or acknowledge the offense Use body language to show disapproval Publicly support an aggrieved person Talk privately with either party involved Interrupt the behavior Suggestions?

Steps for Action Notice the situation: be aware of your surroundings Interpret it as a problem: do I recognize that someone needs help? Feel responsible to act: see yourself as part of the solution. Know what to do: educate yourself on intervention techniques Intervene safely: act without endangering yourself

don’t forget to Examine your own behavior: what do you do well? What could you improve? Watch your words, because they have power. Watch out for other people. Support survivors. Get involved, get educated.

YOU CAN HELP! Always know that you CAN do something to help. Your voice matters!