Sexual Assault Bystander Intervention Training 1

About See the Signs, Speak Out Free, online-based trainings for workplaces Seethesigns.org 2

I.Intro to bystander intervention– 10 min II.Understanding Sexual Assault – 25 minutes III.How to Intervene Video and Exercise – 25 minutes IV.Wrap-up/Evaluation Agenda 3

By the end of today’s training you will know how to… intervene as a bystander to prevent sexual violence 4

Ground rules Take care of yourself Be respectful 5

What is Bystander Intervention? by stand er in ter ven tion ( \ˈbī-ˌstan-dər\ \ˌin-tər-ˈven(t)-shən\) : Intervening if you see or hear behaviors that promote domestic and sexual violence. 6

What’s My Role? 7

Become empowered to help 8

make a difference When my boss reached out to me…I could count on her support when I needed to do things for me like get counseling. - J. (Domestic violence and sexual assault survivor, age 23) While in treatment for PTSD, my productivity at my very demanding job slowed. My employer showed she was sensitive and empathetic and so I disclosed my difficulties. She presented me with an accommodation that is enabling me to continue working as I heal. - C. (Sexual assault survivor, Age 34, Ohio ) 9

Understanding Sexual Violence 10

1.What is sexual assault? 2.What is consent? 3.What is the role of alcohol in sexual violence? 4.How does sexual violence impact victims & workplaces? 5.How can I help? 11

Sexual Assault: penetration (however slight) of the vaginal or anal cavities with any body part or object, or oral to genital contact when consent is not present. Sexual Violence: any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone's will. What is sexual assault? 12

Who are the perpetrators? 13

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In reality, most sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim 15

Approximately 2/3 of rapes were committed by someone known to the victim. U.S. Department of Justice National Crime Victimization Study Approximately 2/3 of rapes were committed by someone known to the victim. U.S. Department of Justice National Crime Victimization Study

What is consent? 17

What is consent? Assumed Silence Previous interactions Clear and Unambiguous 18

What is the role of alcohol in sexual violence? intoxicated + substantially impaired ≠ consent 19

What is the role of alcohol in sexual violence? Fact: some perpetrators use alcohol to control their victims and render them helpless. 20

What is the role of alcohol in sexual violence? Fact: Perpetrators who commit sexual violence are solely responsible for their actions. 21

How does sexual violence impact victims & workplaces? 22

Emotional Physical Behavioral Mental Common Reactions to Sexual Violence 23

Impact on Work  1 Duhart, D. (2001). Violence in the Workplace, Bureau of Justice Statistics. Available at  2 Baum, Katrina, Catalano, Shannan, Rand, Michael and Rose, Kristina Stalking Victimization in the United States. U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics. Available at:  (MacMillan, 2000). 24

Absences, tardiness, difficulty concentrating concerned about safety, intense emotions Sleep, stomachaches, headaches Numb, dazed, confused Startle easily Absences, tardiness, difficulty concentrating concerned about safety, intense emotions Sleep, stomachaches, headaches Numb, dazed, confused Startle easily Impact on Work 25

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How can I support a victim?  Tell them you believe them  Allow them to make their own choices  Ask what can I do for you? What would be helpful?  Remind them you are there for them  Listen  Say it’s not your fault More information available at Startbybelieving.org 27

Voices of survivors: if you could give one message to workplaces about domestic violence, what would it be? Thank you for participating and helping your staff. It is a huge step in the right direction! - K. (Female domestic violence/sexual assault survivor, age 46) Believe and support your employees. – R. (female sexual assault survivor, age 28) Be understanding, [victims] are having a normal reaction to abnormal events. – M. (Sexual violence survivor, age 32, emphasis added) 28

before we learn to intervene as bystanders… 30 Second Stretch Break! 29