Bystander Intervention

Importance

Only 41% of TTU students reported that they viewed Texas Tech as a campus where we look out for each other (TTU RISE, ACHA Report, 2022). How do we change that? We can combat this statistic by increasing the number of informed, active bystanders on the Texas Tech campus.

What's an Active Bystander?

Active Bystander: Someone who witnesses a situation who steps up/speaks up/advocates and either prevents a situation from escalating or disrupts a problematic situation.

Passive Bystander: Someone who chooses to ignore the situation or do nothing.

Why Don't More People Help?

Diffusion of responsibility is a socio-psychological phenomenon in which a person is less likely to take responsibility for action or inaction when other bystanders or witnesses are present.

Similarly, the bystander effect occurs when the presence of others discourages an individual from intervening in an unsafe situation or emergency. Typically the greater number of people/bystanders present, makes it less likely for someone in distress to receive help from those around them. People are more likely to take action in a crisis when there are fewer people present.

Bystander Methods

How Can You Be an Active Bystander?

Use the acronym Raiders Respond!

• Recognize a Problem
• Assume Responsibility
• Implement Resources
• Determine a Plan
• Engage Others
• Respond
• Sustain the Culture

Recognize a Problem

• Be aware of your surroundings.​
• Anticipate problems.​
• Don't talk yourself out of thinking there is a problem.​
• Look for red flags.​
  • You hear someone joking about sexual assault.
  • You hear degrading language.
  • Someone is being pressured to drink.
  • Someone is taking home an intoxicated person.
  • One or more people are raising their voice in an aggressive manner.
• Trust your gut​.

Assume Responsibility 

• If not you, who?
• If you see something, say something.
• Ask others what they think or read the room.
• Ask if someone is okay rather than assuming.

Implement Resources

Ask yourself:

• Where is the nearest hospital?
• Do you need a clear exit?
• Who can you call for help?
• Do you need to call the police or EMS?
• What local resources can you refer people to?

Other points to consider:

• Is it safe for me to help this person?
• What aspects can I control? 

Determine a Plan

• Choose a course of action and make a plan.
• Consider frequency, duration, and severity.
• Stay calm, cool, and collected.
• Gather information and consider options. 
• Withhold judgment.
• Give clear and direct requests.
• Know appropriate referrals.
• You can ALWAYS call 911!

Engage Others

• Who do you need? Recruit them!
• Give people specific and clear instructions. If they don't respond, move to the next person.
• If you're the person in need, call people out with identifiers (e.g., "You with the blue jacket! I need your help!")
• Empower others to help, and always thank those who responded.

Respond

Tips for Intervening

• Approach everyone as a friend.
• Do not be antagonistic/confrontational.
• Avoid violence at all costs.
• Be honest and direct, when possible.
• Keep yourself safe.

Sustain the Culture

• Hold people accountable for their actions – big and small.
• Respect boundaries, communicate safety, and set clear expectations.
• Follow through and check in.
• Have courage, compassion, and know that love and acceptance heals a world of violence and hate.

Together, we can create a safer community.

Resources