According to RAINN.org, “more than 50% of college sexual assaults occur in either August, September, October, or November.”
You can make a difference by remembering the 3 D’s of bystander intervention when you notice or feel that someone is unsafe or unable to give consent: distracting, delegating or getting help, and/or by directly intervening.
Scenario Example:
- You are at a party. During the past hour you notice one of your friends has been talking to a young woman. They seem to be having a good time but it is clear that the woman has had too much to alcohol to drink. At one point your friend walks by you and you hear them say that they are just going to get her “one more” and “that should be enough.”
A few minutes later you see your friend put their arm around the young woman and start to lead her upstairs.
Bystander Ideas:
You might distract your friend by saying their car alarm is going off or someone is breaking into their car. This will give you time to intervene directly.
You might choose to intervene directly without distracting first by telling your friend that you think she has had enough and by ensuring she gets home safely.
Or you may choose to call for help by dialing 911 or getting other friends involved to help. This is called delegating.
Reminder: Always trust your gut instincts.
Central MN Sexual Assault Center 