How to Promote Primary Prevention
Policies and Practices
Development and implementation of policies and practices that discourage sexual violence and encourage primary prevention measures.
Research
Use of research to guide prevention and serve as a catalyst for change
Public Awareness
Events and social media are tools you can use to increase education around sexual violence, prevalence, and ways to prevent sexual violence.
Prevention Programs
Attend workshops on healthy sexuality, consent, healthy relationships, communications building, boundary setting, and bystander intervention.
Consent
Freely Given. A choice made without pressure, coercion, manipulation, or influence of drugs or alcohol.
Specific. Saying yes to one thing does not mean saying yes to the other things.
Clear. Silence is not the same thing as saying yes.
Reversible. Anyone can change their mind, anytime, about what they want or do not want.
Enthusiastic. Moving beyond the initial 'yes'. Engagement and excitement is present.
Ongoing. Saying yes now does not presume yes in the future.
Coercion
Feeling required or forced to do something you don't want to do.
For example: Use of a weapon or continuing to ask after you say no
Manipulation
The use of words or emotions to convince you or trick you into doing something you do not want to do.
For example: Telling you this is "what partners do."
Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship
A healthy relationship should exist between you and your family, friends, and dating partners. These relationships will bring out the best in you and the other person. A relationship should make you feel happy, confident, and supported.
Good Communication
Individuality
Mutual Respect
Understanding
Equality
Compassion
Support
Mutual Trust
Power and Control Wheel
Bystander Intervention
Bystander Intervention involves developing the awareness, skills, and courage needed to intervene in a situation when another individual needs help. Bystander intervention allows individuals to send powerful messages about what is acceptable and expected behavior in our community.
Direct
Intervene directly. Let the person know that their actions are not okay. Do not use physical violence to intervene.
"I don't like how you are speaking to them."
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"That isn't nice. You shouldn't say things like that."
Distract
Find a way to redirect the attention of those behaving inappropriately.
Change the subject.
Call or text someone on their phone.
Tell someone that you saw someone looking for them.
Drop your books or bag.
Delegate
Find someone who is best equipped to handle the situation.
Ask a teacher for help.
Ask a friend to step in.
Ask a family member to assist you.
Ask a group of people to help you.
Delay
Create time and space to better understand the situation.
Just check in with the person.
Combine a distraction technique to separate the people.
Ask if everyone is okay.
Ask how you can help.
Document
Video or photo can be helpful. Only document if the situation is safe.
ALWAYS ask the person being harassed what they want to do with the footage. Do NOT post online, use it or send to people without permission.
Keep your attention on the person being harassed – make sure anything you do is focused on supporting them.
Rules for Bystander Intervention
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Do not put yourself at risk.
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Do not make the situation worse.
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Intervene at the earliest point possible.
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Look for early warning signs of trouble.
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Intervening does not necessarily mean confronting.
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Ask for help.
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Each situation calls for an informed approach and may be different each time.
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How does your personality inform your approach?
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Be aware of your own power in each situation.
Your Bystander Skillset
Steps of Bystander Intervention
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Notice that something is happening.
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Recognize something is wrong.
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Take personal responsibility.
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Know how you can help.