Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Preventing IPV starts with One Act from active bystanders when they see a problem.
The acronym ACT helps bystanders remember options for intervening to prevent violence.
When we conducted the bystander experiment with ITC
actors and real UNC students, the students took effective steps to act when they saw
warning signs of a potential *** assault. Let's take a look at how they were able to
engage by asking for help, creating a distraction, and talking directly.
Intervening can be a lot easier with the support of a peer or someone of authority. Consult
with someone else as you assess the situation.
"I don't even wanna go back I have to walk all the way across campus."
Asking for help can mean calling or texting a friend, asking for support from others at
the scene, asking a person in charge to help such as a bouncer or party host, professor
or RA, calling 911.
You don't have to express your concerns directly in order to intervene. Often it's easier to
create a distraction in order to interrupt the problematic behavior. To create a distraction
you can suggest an alternate activity, change the subject, pause the music, pretend to know
the people involved, or do something silly or outrageous
to get people's attention.
"Hey, aren't you in our class? Our psychology class? I didn't mean to interrupt."
"325?"
"You have a tattoo! What's this? What is that?"
Just remember, do not use physical violence as a means to intervene. Your safety is important.
Sometimes, talking directly to the people involved is the most effective way to intervene.
Always be tactful when letting an aggressor know why their behavior is not ok.
"Hey, Drew, right?"
"Yeah"
"Ok, it's not cool to do that, alright? Are you ok with him scratching your head? Does
it make you a little uncomfortable?"
"I don't know.."
"Hey, he's coming on a little hard, isn't he?"
When you talk directly you can check in with the potential victim, tell the aggressor what
they're doing is not okay, insist that you stay with the victim, insist that the aggressor
leave.
If someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may not hear or understand
your concerns or reasoning. In the moment, you can ask for help or create a distraction.
Then, follow up on the situation later when your message will be better received.
There are many ways to intervene. Be creative, and do what works for you and your personality.
Remember the acronym: ACT.
In most situations, you are not the only person seeing the problem. When we all work together,
we can prevent *** assault from happening on our campus. Every day, students at Carolina
are already taking active steps to prevent violence. Share your successful intervention
with One Act! Email us or tweet at us with #OneAct.