Tips for intervening in various situations discussed
Kendra Hulsebosch
Contributor
A bystander intervention workshop was co-hosted by two student organizations, as part of DisOrientation week, to recognize and eliminate myths surrounding what sexual assault, domestic violence, and its perpetrators look like.
Called “Queering Bystander Intervention” (queering meaning to spoil or ruin an event), the workshop taught participants how to intervene when they witness sexual harassment, assault, or any form violence. The Sexual Assault Survivors’ Support Line and Community Legal Aid Services Program worked collaboratively to hold the workshop, which took place on September 27.
“Often, people don’t intervene because they may not know it’s happening, or feel that it’s not their place to act, along with not knowing what to do,” Ali Maclachlan, a member of SASSL, told the audience.
“Sexual assault should not be considered the survivor’s responsibility. It should be a community responsibility,” Maclachlan says.
The first key to recognizing sexual assault, harassment, or violence is determining whether consent is involved, explains Brittany Harris, a member of CLASP.
The best way to tell whether or not there is consent in a stranger-stranger situation is by reading body language, Harris told those at the workshop. She says if the harassed shows uncomfortable body language, such as avoiding eye contact or turning their body away, it’s probably a good time to step in.
For female bystanders, Harris suggests engaging the victim in conversation by asking to be shown to the bathroom, or even by asking for directions—anything to give the harassed a way out of an extremely uncomfortable situation.
If you are male, she suggests talking to and distracting the harasser with conversation or questions. By diverting the harasser’s attention, you can effectively diffuse the situation,
The workshop addressed other potentially more awkward situations, such as when you know at least one of the people involved.
In a scenario where you may need to approach a friend who is the perpetrator—for example, if a friend or acquaintance starts to harass a young man or woman at a bar—Maclachlan says the best course of action is simply to be straightforward by telling the person, “Dude, he or she’s not into you,” and repeat it if necessary.
“Sometimes, if the friend in question has had a few drinks in him, it is easier to distract him, and move him away from the situation. The harassed will be very thankful you stepped in,” says Maclachlan.
