This a special safety bulletin distributed on behalf of the Clemson University Police Department. BYSTANDER INTERVENTION It may not be safe or effective to directly confront a harasser in every case, but there are a range of ways bystanders can be involved before, during or after a situation when they see or hear behaviors that promote sexual violence. Disrupt the situation. Every situation is different, and there is no one way to respond. When you witness a person being harassed, threatened or followed by someone, you can try to distract the harasser or insert yourself into their interaction to help the targeted person get out of the situation. For example, if you see someone on the street being verbally harassed, you can interrupt the harasser and ask them for directions. Don’t act alone. Get support from people around you by calling on others to help. If you do not feel safe, contact the police. Confront the harasser. Whether or not you know the harasser, you can intervene by telling them in a respectful, direct and honest way their words or actions are not okay. For example, when you hear someone make comments that blame victims for being assaulted or make light of sexual violence, you can tell them: You need to stop. That’s very inappropriate. What you just said made me feel uncomfortable. Here’s why… Do you realize how problematic that is? We need to talk about what you just said. Why would you say that? Set the expectation to speak up and step in. Talking openly and responding directly to inappropriate behaviors will have a snowball effect and encourage others to respond. It shows you recognize the comment or behavior is unacceptable and shows others it will not be tolerated. For example, you can say: Are you hearing what I am hearing? I can’t be the only one who thinks this is not OK. I don’t see how XYZ is relevant or appropriate to this discussion. I know you’re a better person than that. Take action online. Everyone can help address an online culture that tolerates rape and sexual violence. Online comments that blame victims contribute to a broader climate in which sexual violence is tolerated and not taken seriously. Believe and support survivors. For example, thank survivors for sharing their stories in the comments of news articles and blog posts. Respond to victim-blaming, rape jokes or other problematic comments on social media: Post a response like, “Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault.” Refocus accountability on the individual(s) who committed sexual abuse. Post a link to an educational resource about sexual violence prevention. Be proactive. Practice with friends and family what you would say and how you would say it if you’re ever put in the situation where you need to confront a harasser. Think of how you would like others to take action on your behalf, or reflect on a situation where you wish you had acted differently.   This email was sent by the Clemson University Police Department 124 Ravenel Center Place, Seneca, SC 29678