Bystander Intervention Training | Sexual Assault & Sexual Violence Support

Bystander Intervention programs aim to empower individuals to confidently intervene in an incident in order to stop it. Individuals learn how to prevent and de-escalate situations. Engaging the broader community, raising awareness of sexual violence in addition to changing the social norms are some of the outcomes of bystander intervention training. (Straatman, Anna-Lee)

Bystander Intervention programs are part of a multi-pronged approach to combat sexual violence at Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber.

Learn more about bystander intervention in our Bringing in the Bystander training.

Walk a friend home from a party who has had too much to drink.
Make sure I leave a party with the same people I came with.
Ask for verbal consent with my partner.
Stop when my partner says stop.
Try to get help to intervene if I saw several strangers dragging an individual upstairs to their room.
Warn a stranger if I saw someone spike their drink.

I confront a friend if I see them grabbing, pushing, and insulting their partner.
I get help from others: friends or professionals, to intervene if I saw a friend grab, push, or insult their partner.
If I hear what sounds like yelling and fighting through my residence walls, I go get a Residence Assistant (RA) or someone else for help.
Call 911 if I hear someone yelling, fighting, or calling for help.
If someone is being shoved or yelled at, I ask them if they need help.

Call a Residence Assistant (RA) or a counselor if a friend told me they were sexually assaulted.
Let a friend know that I am available for support and help if I suspected they were sexually assaulted.
Share information about sexual assault and violence with my friends.
If I hear an acquaintance talking about forcing someone to have sex, I speak up against it and express concern for the person who was forced.
Call 911 if a stranger needs help.

For more helpful tips, check out these resources: