Safety Tips

We all can make a difference in stopping sexual violence. Most sexual assaults and rape are committed by someone the victim knows, not by a stranger, and many involve situations where drinking and drug use is occurring.

Have a plan.
Talk with your friends about your plans BEFORE you go out. Do you feel like drinking? Are you interested in hooking up? Where do you want to go? Having a clear plan ahead of time helps friends look after one another.

Go out together.
Go out as a group and come home as a group; never separate and never leave your friend(s) behind.

Watch out for others.
If you are walking at night with friends and notice a woman walking by herself in the same direction, ask her to join you so she doesn't have to walk alone.

Diffuse situations.
If you see a friend coming on too strong to someone who may be too drunk to make a consensual decision, interrupt, distract, or redirect the situation. If you are too embarrassed or shy to speak out, get someone else to step in.

Trust your instincts.
If a situation or person doesn’t seem “right” to you, trust your gut and remove yourself, if possible, from the situation.
 
 
  • Active Bystander Tips

The District encourages all members of the District Community to be Active Bystanders against sexual violence. The following information is based on Bystander Intervention research being done at the University of New Hampshire and the guidelines developed by UNH. 

Learn to recognize the signs of danger and develop plans to keep each other safe. Commit to being an Active Bystander.

 
  • Become an Active Bystander

• Notice the situation. Be aware of your surroundings.

• Interpret it as a problem. Do I recognize that someone needs help?

• Feel responsible to act. See yourself as being part of the solution to help.

• Know what to do. Educate yourself on what to do.

• Intervene safely. Take action but be sure to keep yourself safe.

 
  • How to Intervene Safely

• Tell another person. Being with others is a good idea when a situation looks dangerous.

• Ask a person you are worried about if he/she/they is okay. Provide options and a listening ear.

• Distract or redirect individuals in unsafe situations.

• Ask the person if he/she/they wants assistance. Make sure that he/she/they gets home safely.

• Call the police (911) or someone else in authority or yell for help.

 

  • Safety Resources

• Circle of 6: Free App to Keep you Safe

• Step Up: Sexual Assault Bystander Intervention: More Strategies to Stop Sexual Violence

• That's Not Cool: Dealing with Sexual Harassment in a Mobile World

• Know Your IX: Information on Title IX

• Mental Health Support: Visit LTCC's Mental Health Webpage

• Live Violence Free: Computer use can be monitored. If you are afraid your internet usage might be monitored, call Live Violence Free at 530-544-4444.