Active bystanders
An active bystander is a person who is aware that another person may be in danger and decides to get involved, intervenes, and stops the event from occurring.
Lesley University considers all University community members active bystanders if they observe or hear about possible sexual misconduct.
In addition, if someone reports possible sexual misconduct to you or you are otherwise aware of possible sexual misconduct, you may be required to report this to the Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator.
Any employee who learns of possible sexual misconduct and is not bound by a statutory obligation of confidentiality must immediately inform the Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator of possible sexual misconduct. If you are unclear about your reporting requirements, contact the Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator to review your responsibilities.
Before you take action to address inappropriate behavior, determine whether it is safe for you and others to do so. Do not take any action if it puts your safety or the safety of others at risk. Call 911 first if you feel that your safety and/or the safety of others would be compromised by taking other actions.
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Things an active bystander can say
Statements you could make
- "That’s not funny."
- "What you said [or did] isn’t right."
- “That type of language [or behavior] isn’t okay."
Interrupt a risky situation
If you are uncomfortable calling out bad behavior, try interrupting a risky situation by distracting and redirecting the people involved by saying:
- "I think [insert any name] is looking for you."
- Say something positive, such as "nice shoes!" to anyone involved. The goal is simply to change the subject.
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Things an active bystander can ask
Questions you could ask
- "Is this person bothering you?"
- "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Interrupt a risky situation
If you are uncomfortable calling out bad behavior, try interrupting a risky situation by distracting and redirecting the people involved by asking:
- "Can you show me where the restroom is?"
- An unrelated question about a class assignment, a TV show, the weather, or their plans for the weekend. The goal is simply to change the subject.
- If they are ready to leave.
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Actions active bystanders can take
Actions to take
- Stand next to someone so they know they are not alone.
- Look disapprovingly at a person who is harassing someone else.
- Don't join in or laugh.
- Tell someone, either now or later, why you thought what he/she did or said wasn’t right.
Interrupt a risky situation
If you are uncomfortable calling out bad behavior, try interrupting a risky situation by taking these actions:
- Get others involved (stand up and step in) to help interrupt and prevent an incident from happening.
- Tell the Resident Director (RD), Community Advisor (CA), or another staff person right away.
- Seek out appropriate campus resources.
- In an emergency, call 911 for the police or x8888 for Public Safety (617.349.8888).
Call 911 first if you feel that your safety and/or the safety of others would be compromised by taking other actions.
Employees
Any employee who witnesses possible sexual misconduct and is not under a statutory obligation of confidentiality must immediately inform the Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator of possible sexual misconduct. If you are unclear about your reporting requirements, contact the Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator to review your responsibilities.
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Active bystander video
This video demonstrates actions that an active bystander can take to prevent potential sexual assault.
Trigger warning
This video shows a fictional scenario leading up to a rape. It does not show the rape itself, but may be triggering to some people. Please take this into consideration before viewing the film.
Watch the video
Watch the “Who Are You” video.
About the video
The video is the creation and collaborative effort of several organizations in Wellington, New Zealand including Tū Pakari Ora – Sexual Assault Assessment and Treatment Service, Sexual Abuse Prevention Network, Wellington Sexual Health, Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation, Radio Network Wellington, Hutt Rape Counselling Network, Wellington Police, Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care, and Regional Public Health.
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What to do when someone speaks to you about sexual misconduct
Actions to take
Acknowledge their feelings about the incident without overreacting to their experience. Do not judge the individual. Do not try to "fix" the situation. Do not try to reassure the person that everything is "okay" or tell them you know how they feel.
Things you might say
- "I'm sorry this happened to you."
- "It wasn’t your fault."
- "You survived; obviously you did the right thing."
- "Thank you for telling me."
- "I'm always here if you want to talk."
- "I think it's a good idea for your to speak with Lesley’s Director of Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator."
Do not say
- "It was your fault."
- "You could have avoided it if you had_______."
- "You wanted it."
- "It’s not a big deal. It happens all the time."
- "It’s been so long. Get over it."
- "I don’t believe you."
Lesley University managers
Any manager who learns of possible sexual misconduct and is not bound by a statutory obligation of confidentiality must inform the Title IX Coordinator of possible sexual misconduct. If you are unclear about your reporting requirements, contact the Title IX Coordinator to review your responsibilities.