In
the National Guard, it is everyone’s duty to protect one another; this includes
looking out for your peers’ safety, recognizing when a situation is about to escalate,
and intervening before an incident occurs.
Stopping sexual assault before it happens.
bystander witnessing the interaction between two or more people, who suspects imminent
danger to one of the individuals, may have the power to intervene but may hesitate
to get involved. They may feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, fearful of negative social
consequences, or intimidated by the prospect of getting hurt.
Factors that Influence Intervention:
- It’s unclear that there is an emergency
- Perceived personal cost is too high
- Diffusion of responsibility (“Lots of people are around. Someone else will
probably do something about it.”)
- Similarities between the bystander and the potential offender (Someone who
shares a lot in common with a potential offender will be less likely to act against
them)
- Apathetic mood
- The bystander’s gender may influence their perception of whether it’s appropriate
to get involved
- Perception that the prospective victim is inviting danger by being drunk,
dressing provocatively, etc.
- Social norms (Intervening is easier when peers are nearby to approve of
your actions)
Steps to intervene:
1) Assess the situation. Ensure that all parties are safe, and
gauge whether the situation requires calling authorities. When deciding to intervene,
your personal safety should be the #1 priority. When in doubt, call for help.
2) Decide whether to use direct or indirect action to resolve the problem.
Examples of both types of action are below:
- Direct Actions: Point out someone’s disrespectful behavior in a manner that
will help de-escalate the situation, talk to a friend to ensure he/she is okay,
call the police
- Indirect Action: Recommend to a bartender or party host that someone has
had too much to drink, make up an excuse to help someone get away from a potential
offender, and call the local authorities
3) Know your options. Once you’ve decided whether you want to handle
the situation directly or indirectly (or a little of both), think of all the possible
options for doing so. For instance, if you’ve decided to speak directly to the person
displaying problematic behavior, do you want to do it right there in the moment,
or take them aside later? If you want to deal with it indirectly, what resources
can you access to help you handle the problem?
4) Intervene – with reinforcements. If safe to intervene, you’re
likely to have a greater influence on the parties involved when you work together
with someone or several people. Your safety is increased when you stay with a group
of friends that you know well.
Courage wanted.
It takes courage to challenge negative behavior. If you think you may not have what
it takes to intervene in a dangerous situation, remember:
It is your responsibility as a Service Member. As a National Guard
member in service to the Nation, it is your duty to stand up in the defense of others,
including fellow Soldiers and Airmen. Military Core Values means putting your community
first – before yourself.
Many are grateful for the prevention of the incident. If you noticed
a problem between two people, chances are you weren’t the only one. Many may not
have the courage to act on behalf of someone in danger – as a Service Member you
have the best chance of being a successful obstacle to someone about to commit an
act of sexual violence.
Not intervening does the offender a favor. When you choose not
to become an obstacle to an offender, their intention to do harm goes without contradiction.
Apart from throwing a wrench in the unfolding of an incident, your intervention
may even awaken the potential offender about what they’re doing.
We stand behind those who help us change the culture of the National Guard.
As we strive to change the National Guard culture to one of zero tolerance of sexual
offenses, you are our first line of defense. We rely on our Soldiers and Airmen
to care for one another – with resources and training to help you be a better friend
and better Service Member.