Entry 11: Messaging & Example

Here’s what I have currently for messaging/content (based off of the content on locallove.com about the bystander effect, altered to hopefully fit students a little better?) I’m not sure if there’s a better word than “victim,” but the messaging can be refined.

The bystander effect is the tendency to not respond to a victim in need when other people are around.

In fact, having a larger number of witnesses to a negative event — such as sexual assault, physical injury or a verbal altercation — reduces the likelihood of any one person stepping in to help. (We usually witness the bystander effect when someone is verbally abusing another person in public.)

What can you do?

• Stay Safe
  If you are isolated, outnumbered, or if there are weapons, get help! Get a teacher or call 911 if needed. Be sure to assess the situation before intervening.
• Shift Your Stance
  If you are safe, simple body gestures and posture can help. Try standing with the victim or move to be in between the victim and the aggressor.
• Start Talking
  Start chatting with the victim! Ask if they’d like to stand or sit or walk with you. Asking questions can also help diffuse a tense situation. Ask either the victim or agressor about the time, for directions, or compliment something either person is wearing.

I also saw a video this weekend that is a perfect example of the bystander effect and intervention!!

!!!!!!! Perfect example of most everyone ignoring/choosing to not see what’s going on (man trying to take pictures up a woman’s dress), and then someone stepping in and intervening, stopping the bad guy. Saw this on twitter and immediately thought of my capstone.