When you see individuals engaging in dangerous or risky behavior, it is important to say something or intervene in order to stop the behavior from continuing. Such behaviors involve, but are not limited to: hazing (physical or psychological), physical assault, stalking behavior, sexual assault and other forms of relationship violence, and alcohol or drug use.
Reasons one should intervene
- Wildcats look after each other.
- Everyone plays a part in making the community safe.
- It is not enough to assume someone else will intervene.
One could intervene if
- Alcohol or drugs are involved and are blurring the ability for friends to make sound decisions.
- Someone is being taken advantage of or being coerced sexually.
- Individual(s) are engaging in behavior that is dangerous and/or they may regret later.
- Derogatory comments and attitudes regarding other individuals or groups are expressed.
- One feels uncomfortable with what she/he is witnessing.
- One hears certain leading statements such as:
- “I’m going to get her/him drunk…”
- “She/he looks drunk enough…”
- “I know she/he wants it…”
- “I put something in her/his drink…” - You see individual(s) berating, putting down, or getting physical with another individual or group of people.
Action steps
- Verbally intervene by saying something to the individual(s) involved in the potentially risky behavior (i.e. asking that the behavior/comments stop).
- Take your friend out of the situation and leave the environment together.
- Get help. Contact UAPD, or local authorities if you are off campus, if you feel uncomfortable saying something yourself.
- Do not hesitate or worry about what the person will think the next day. It is always better to err on the side of safety.
- Be proactive – talk to friends about these issues so there is a common understanding about what behavior, and in what situations, is personally unacceptable.
- Do not worry about being seen as “not cool.” There is a good chance that others are worried about the situation as well but do not know how to intervene.